CVE-2026-23745

What it is

node-tar is a Tar for Node.js. The node-tar library (<= 7.5.2) fails to sanitize the linkpath of Link (hardlink) and SymbolicLink entries when preservePaths is false (the default secure behavior). This allows malicious archives to bypass the extraction root restriction, leading to Arbitrary File Overwrite via hardlinks and Symlink Poisoning via absolute symlink targets. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.5.3.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-01-16 22:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-07 13:18 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-01-16 22:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-07 13:18 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-22 · Path traversal

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Isaacs Tar < 7.5.3

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Active

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

Low

Availability

None