CVE-2026-91203
Cockpit-files: cockpit-files: arbitrary file ownership and permission modification via symlink race condition
A flaw was found in cockpit-files. This vulnerability allows a local attacker to exploit a timing issue, known as a symlink race condition, during privileged file operations such as changing file ownership or permissions. By manipulating directory entries and winning this race, the attacker can redirect these operations to unintended files. This could lead to unauthorized changes in file ownership and permissions on arbitrary files, potentially compromising system integrity and availability by altering system or application states or rendering services unusable.
Fixes and workarounds
Workaround
Until a fixed package is available, avoid performing privileged ownership or permission changes through the Cockpit Files application in directories that are writable by untrusted or low-privileged users. Where possible, restrict or disable superuser-backed file operations (the elevated chown/chmod flows used for file creation, upload, ownership, and permission changes) for shared writable paths, and perform file metadata changes only on trusted directories. Exploitability is substantially reduced when privileged Cockpit sessions do not operate on attacker-writable directories.
Source: CNA: redhatAffected products and versions
| Product | Versions | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 Red Hat cockpit-files
https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/ |
≥ 0:36.1-1.el10_2; < * (unaffected, rpm)
Other versions: affected |
CNA: redhat |
| Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 Red Hat cockpit-files
https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/ |
Range not reported
Other versions: affected |
CNA: redhat |
Version ranges are source assertions. Check the vendor advisory and your installed configuration before determining exposure.
CVSS assessments
| Version / score | Vector | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 / 6.0 medium |
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H | CNA: redhat |
Exploit evidence
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2465632
exploit · ADP: CISA-ADP
References
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:95570CNA: redhat · vendor-advisory, x_refsource_REDHAT
- https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-91203CNA: redhat · vdb-entry, x_refsource_REDHAT
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2465632CNA: redhat · issue-tracking, x_refsource_REDHAT
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2465632ADP: CISA-ADP · exploit
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