# CVE-2026-115207: GNU patch arbitrary file creation via path traversal

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-115207-a-flaw-was-found-in-gnu-patch-an-attacker-can-achieve-arbitrary  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-22. Updated: 2026-10-22  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-115207 · Severity: medium · CVSS 5.5 · Published 2026-10-22

GNU patch is a utility that applies code changes to software source files. An attacker can trick a user or automated system into applying a malicious patch file that creates files anywhere on the system with the user's privileges. This could allow an attacker to modify critical system files, install backdoors, or compromise sensitive data.

Technologies: [Gnu Patch](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/patch). Vendors: [Gnu](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/gnu).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-115207 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-115207 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-115207?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 5.5, published 22 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** GNU patch.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-115207?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-115207 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-115207?** Check whether you run Gnu Patch. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A path traversal vulnerability in GNU patch allows attackers to bypass filename validation during automatic patch reversal. The vulnerability stems from missing checks on absolute file paths in patch headers, allowing an attacker to specify paths outside the intended working directory. An attacker must socially engineer a user or automated workflow to apply a specially crafted patch file; the resulting arbitrary file creation occurs with the privileges of the executing user.

## Affected products

- GNU patch

## Timeline

- 2026-10-22: disclosed

## References

- [https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/](https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/)
- [https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-115207](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-115207)

## Related threats

- [GNU patch infinite loop in unified-diff hunk processing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-56289-gnu-patch-infinite-loop-in-unified-diff-hunk-processing)
- [GNU patch NULL pointer dereference in unified-diff processing](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-56288-gnu-patch-null-pointer-dereference-in-unified-diff-processing)