CVE-2026-42496

Name: CVE-2026-42496
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2026-05-26T02:16:40.13+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.1/10EPSS 0.48%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2026-42496 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.1/10 on the CVSS scale. Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. EPSS estimates a 0.48% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Archive::Tar versions before 3.08 for Perl extract symlinks with attacker controlled targets outside the extraction directory. _make_special_file() passes the tar header's linkname to symlink() without validating it against absolute paths or .. segments. The secure-extract mode check that guards regular file extraction does not cover the symlink target. A subsequent open through the extracted name reads or writes the attacker chosen path.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.1/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.48%

37.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-59

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Archive\	\	< 3.08	Archive\

References

https://github.com/jib/archive-tar-new/commit/17c873492a05eddc0de18c1485e0b2cccd5a9158.patchPatch
https://metacpan.org/release/BINGOS/Archive-Tar-3.08/changesRelease Notes
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-42497Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: May 26, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-42496?

How severe is CVE-2026-42496?

CVE-2026-42496 has a CVSS score of 9.1/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.48% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-42496?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2026-42496?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST