# CVE-2026-97024: Flatpak path traversal in files/etc directory during app deployment

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-97024-a-path-traversal-vulnerability-in-flatpak-s-handling-of-the-files  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-29. Updated: 2026-09-29  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-97024 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.1 · Published 2026-09-29

Flatpak, a system for sandboxing and distributing desktop applications, contains a flaw that allows a malicious app to corrupt or replace critical host system files such as password files and DNS configuration during installation. When a system administrator installs a compromised app, these essential files can be emptied or redirected to attacker-controlled content, potentially rendering the system unusable or compromising user authentication and network connectivity.

Technologies: [Flatpak](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/flatpak). Vendors: [Flatpak](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/flatpak).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-97024 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-97024 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-97024?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.1, published 29 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Flatpak Flatpak.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-97024?** 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-2026-97024 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-97024?** Check whether you run Flatpak. 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 Flatpak's deployment logic fails to validate symlinks when processing the files/etc directory, allowing a malicious Flatpak manifest to write arbitrary content to host system paths with the privileges of the installing user (root in system-wide deployments). The attack requires user interaction to install or upgrade the app and leverages CWE-61 (insecure symlink following). The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of critical system files, and patches are available from Flatpak upstream.

## Affected products

- Flatpak Flatpak

## Timeline

- 2026-09-29: 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-2026-97024](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-97024)

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