CVE-2026-88016

What it is

rclone is a command-line program to sync files and directories to and from different cloud storage providers. Prior to 1.75.1, when backend/local runs with --links, a source .rclonelink object can plant a symlink in the destination and later directory metadata is applied through that path. MkdirMetadata, writeMetadataToFile, and setTimes operate when Directory.translatedLink=false, so os.Chown, os.Chmod, os.Chtimes, and birth-time handling can bypass os.Root confinement and follow the symlink. An attacker controlling source contents can therefore apply selected ownership, permissions, modification times, or birth times to a file or directory outside the destination, with --metadata required for chmod and chown while modification time is applied by the normal directory workflow. This issue is fixed in version 1.75.1.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account, 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

1. 2026-09-10 16:18 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-15 15:17 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: 7.1 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-09-10 16:18 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-15 15:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-59

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Rclone < 1.75.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

High

Availability

Low

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-2026-88016.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-88016. 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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