# CVE-2026-35338: uutils coreutils chmod --preserve-root bypass via non-canonical paths

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35338-uutils-coreutils-chmod-preserve-root-bypass-via-non-canonical  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-04-22. Updated: 2026-07-06  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-35338 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.3 · Published 2026-04-22

A vulnerability in the uutils version of the chmod utility allows users to bypass a safety feature designed to protect the system's root directory. The '--preserve-root' flag, which is meant to prevent accidental or malicious deletion of system-wide file permissions, can be circumvented by using alternative path names like '/../'. If exploited, this could lead to a complete system breakdown as critical file permissions across the entire operating system are altered.

Technologies: [Uutils Coreutils](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/uutils-coreutils). Vendors: [crates.io](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/crates-io), [Uutils](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/uutils).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-35338 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-35338 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-35338?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.3, published 22 April 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** uu_chmod (crates.io) < 0.6.0, SEMVER:introduced=0,fixed=0.6.0.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-35338?** Yes. uu_chmod (crates.io): upgrade to 0.6.0 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-35338 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-35338?** Check whether you run uu_chmod (crates.io) or Uutils Coreutils at an affected version. 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.

## How to fix

- uu_chmod (crates.io): upgrade to 0.6.0 or later

  ```sh
  cargo update -p uu_chmod
  ```


## Technical details

A path traversal and link following vulnerability exists in the Chmoder::chmod() function of uutils coreutils. The implementation only performs a literal string comparison of the input path against '/' when the --preserve-root flag is active, failing to account for path canonicalization. An attacker with local access can provide a path that resolves to root (such as '/../' or a symlink to '/') to bypass this check. When combined with the recursive (-R) flag, this allows for destructive permission changes across the entire filesystem. The issue is fixed in version 0.6.0 by ensuring the target path is canonicalized before the root check.

## Affected products

- uutils coreutils (uu_chmod) < 0.6.0

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-35338
- GHSA-4c7q-4928-8445

## Timeline

- 2026-01-03: patched: Initial fix and regression tests submitted via PR #10033
- 2026-01-07: patched: Fix merged into main branch
- 2026-01-20: disclosed: Reported by Zellic in security assessment for Canonical
- 2026-04-22: advisory: CVE-2026-35338 assigned and published to NVD
- 2026-07-06: advisory: GitHub Advisory GHSA-4c7q-4928-8445 published

## References

- [https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/security/advisories/GHSA-4c7q-4928-8445](https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/security/advisories/GHSA-4c7q-4928-8445)
- [https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/pull/10033](https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/pull/10033)
- [https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/commit/413055b378fa6fe2299c5e5f538c8e6e841ab810](https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/commit/413055b378fa6fe2299c5e5f538c8e6e841ab810)
- [https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/releases/tag/0.6.0](https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/releases/tag/0.6.0)
- [https://api.github.com/repos/uutils/coreutils/security-advisories/GHSA-4c7q-4928-8445](https://api.github.com/repos/uutils/coreutils/security-advisories/GHSA-4c7q-4928-8445)

## Related threats

- [uutils coreutils Incorrect Provision of Specified Functionality in cut](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35381-uutils-coreutils-incorrect-provision-of-specified-functionality)
- [uutils coreutils has an Improper Input Validation Issue in its cut Utility](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35380-uutils-coreutils-has-an-improper-input-validation-issue-in-its)
- [A logic error in the tr utility of uutils coreutils causes the program to incorrectly define the [:graph:] and [:print:] character classes.](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35379-uutils-coreutils-has-an-incorrect-provision-of-specified)
- [uutils coreutils has an Incorrect Short Circuit Evaluation Issue](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35378-uutils-coreutils-has-an-incorrect-short-circuit-evaluation-issue)
- [uutils coreutils has an Improper Input Validation Issue in its env Utility](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-35377-uutils-coreutils-has-an-improper-input-validation-issue-in-its)