CVE-2026-35372

The record

A logic error in the ln utility of uutils coreutils allows the utility to dereference a symbolic link target even when the --no-dereference (or -n) flag is explicitly provided. The implementation previously only honored the "no-dereference" intent if the --force (overwrite) mode was also enabled. This flaw causes ln to follow a symbolic link that points to a directory and create new links inside that target directory instead of treating the symbolic link itself as the destination. In environments where a privileged user or system script uses ln -n to update a symlink, a local attacker could manipulate existing symbolic links to redirect file creation into sensitive directories, potentially leading to unauthorized file creation or system misconfiguration.

Affected packages

Related vulnerabilities

• GHSA-wq63-vh5h-pr5p uutils coreutils has a UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following issue Same vulnerability
• GHSA-532v-xp3f-837c uutils coreutils has an Incorrect Provision of Specified Functionality Issue in its cut… Also affects coreutils
• GHSA-6g8r-74qp-6859 uutils coreutils has a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition Also affects coreutils
• GHSA-53gr-wmf4-8hh3 uutils coreutils's User Interface (UI) Misrepresents Critical Information Also affects coreutils
• GHSA-5pv5-xh52-hvrp uutils coreutils has an Incorrect Short Circuit Evaluation Issue Also affects coreutils
• GHSA-5v4g-vw9x-h534 uutils coreutils has an Improper Input Validation Issue in its env Utility Also affects coreutils
• GHSA-4wrp-79m8-9m9p uutils coreutils has a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition Also affects coreutils
• GHSA-fhr3-xh3q-69w6 uutils coreutils has an Incorrect Provision of Specified Functionality Issue Also affects coreutils