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.
Problem types
CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
Product status
Any version before 3.08
Timeline
| 2026-04-12: | Issue reported. |
| 2026-05-22: | Version 3.08 released. |
References
github.com/...17c873492a05eddc0de18c1485e0b2cccd5a9158.patch
metacpan.org/release/BINGOS/Archive-Tar-3.08/changes
www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-42497