CVE-2026-35339

What it is

The recursive mode (-R) of the chmod utility in uutils coreutils incorrectly handles exit codes when processing multiple files. The final return value is determined solely by the success or failure of the last file processed. This allows the command to return an exit code of 0 (success) even if errors were encountered on previous files, such as 'Operation not permitted'. Scripts relying on these exit codes may proceed under a false sense of success while sensitive files remain with restrictive or incorrect permissions.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-04-22 17:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-26 21:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-04-22 17:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-26 21:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-253

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Uutils Coreutils < 0.6.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

None