CVE-2026-24846

5.5 MEDIUM 0.2% exploit odds Fix listed Disclosure

What it is

malcontent discovers supply-chain compromises through. context, differential analysis, and YARA. Starting in version 1.8.0 and prior to version 1.20.3, malcontent could be made to create symlinks outside the intended extraction directory when scanning a specially crafted tar or deb archive. The `handleSymlink` function received arguments in the wrong order, causing the symlink target to be used as the symlink location. Additionally, symlink targets were not validated to ensure they resolved within the extraction directory. Version 1.20.3 introduces fixes that swap handleSymlink arguments, validate symlink location, and validate symlink targets that resolve within an extraction directory.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data tampering.
Exploit odds: 0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2026-01-29 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-17 10:23 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2026-01-29 22:15 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-17 10:23 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-22 · Path traversal
Record status: Analyzed

Affected

Chainguard Malcontent < 1.20.3

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: None
User interaction: Required
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: High
Availability: None

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-24846.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-24846. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record