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  5. CVE-2026-26960

CVE-2026-26960: Arbitrary File Read/Write via Hardlink Target Escape Through Symlink Chain in node-tar Extraction

February 18, 2026 (updated February 20, 2026)

tar.extract() in Node tar allows an attacker-controlled archive to create a hardlink inside the extraction directory that points to a file outside the extraction root, using default options.

This enables arbitrary file read and write as the extracting user (no root, no chmod, no preservePaths).

Severity is high because the primitive bypasses path protections and turns archive extraction into a direct filesystem access primitive.

References

  • github.com/advisories/GHSA-83g3-92jg-28cx
  • github.com/isaacs/node-tar
  • github.com/isaacs/node-tar/commit/2cb1120bcefe28d7ecc719b41441ade59c52e384
  • github.com/isaacs/node-tar/commit/d18e4e1f846f4ddddc153b0f536a19c050e7499f
  • github.com/isaacs/node-tar/security/advisories/GHSA-83g3-92jg-28cx
  • nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-26960

Code Behaviors & Features

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Affected versions

All versions before 7.5.8

Fixed versions

  • 7.5.8

Solution

Upgrade to version 7.5.8 or above.

Impact 7.1 HIGH

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

Learn more about CVSS

Weakness

  • CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

Source file

npm/tar/CVE-2026-26960.yml

Spotted a mistake? Edit the file on GitLab.

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