# CVE-2026-50195: containerd image tag poisoning in CRI checkpoint import

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-50195-containerd-image-tag-poisoning-in-cri-checkpoint-import  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-01. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-50195 · Severity: high · CVSS 3.1 · Published 2026-07-01

The containerd CRI Plugin is a core component that manages container lifecycles in Kubernetes and container orchestration systems. Multiple vulnerabilities in this plugin could allow attackers to escalate privileges, potentially giving them control over containerized workloads and the underlying host system. This poses a significant risk to containerized environments and the applications running within them.

Technologies: [Amazon AWS](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/aws), [Containerd](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/containerd), [github.com/containerd/containerd (Go)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/github-com-containerd-containerd), [github.com/containerd/containerd/v2 (Go)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/github-com-containerd-containerd-v2), [Google Cloud Platform](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/google-cloud-platform). Vendors: [Amazon](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/amazon), [Containerd](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/containerd), [Go](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/go), [Google](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/google).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-50195 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-50195 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-50195?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 3.1, published 1 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Containerd >= 2.1.0, < 2.1.9; >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.5; >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.2; github.com/containerd/containerd (Go) SEMVER:introduced=0; github.com/containerd/containerd/v2 (Go) SEMVER:introduced=2.1.0,fixed=2.1.9, SEMVER:introduced=2.1.0,fixed=2.1.9,introduced=2.2.0,fixed=2.2.5,introduced=2.3.0,fixed=2.3.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-50195?** Yes. github.com/containerd/containerd/v2 (Go): upgrade to 2.1.9, 2.3.2 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-50195 attacked?** It is in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-50195?** Check whether you run Amazon AWS, Containerd, github.com/containerd/containerd (Go) or one of the others listed 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

- github.com/containerd/containerd/v2 (Go): upgrade to 2.1.9, 2.3.2 or later

  ```sh
  go get github.com/containerd/containerd/v2@v2.3.2
  ```


## Technical details

The containerd CRI (Container Runtime Interface) Plugin manages container lifecycle operations in Kubernetes environments. Multiple privilege escalation vulnerabilities have been identified in this component (tracked under five CVE identifiers). While specific technical details are limited in the advisory, these vulnerabilities likely involve issues in the plugin's handling of container operations, resource constraints, or permission boundaries. The attack vector appears to be network or local depending on the specific vulnerability. Exploitation could allow authenticated users or local attackers to escalate privileges within or outside container sandboxes. Patches or updates should be applied to affected containerd versions.

## Affected products

- containerd containerd

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-50195
- GHSA-cvxm-645q-p574
- GO-2026-5338

## Timeline

- 2026-09-22: disclosed

## References

- [https://aws.amazon.com/security/security-bulletins/rss/2026-046-aws/](https://aws.amazon.com/security/security-bulletins/rss/2026-046-aws/)

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