CVE-2026-55686
github.com/containers/podman: Podman: Host filesystem modification via malicious container image WORKDIR symlink
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · June 27, 2026
Updated · November 1, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in Podman. A remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability by running a malicious container image where the WORKDIR (working directory) path contains a symbolic link (symlink). This can lead to the creation of a directory or modification of ownership on the host filesystem, potentially impacting system integrity.
Statement
A flaw was found in Podman where running a malicious container image with a WORKDIR path containing a symlink can create directories or modify ownership on the host filesystem. Exploitation requires the user to pull and run a specifically crafted malicious container image. Red Hat rates this as Moderate impact, consistent with the upstream assessment, because the attack requires a malicious image and the most severe outcome (ownership modification) requires additional help from an underprivileged user namespace.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 5.8CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:N
CWE-59 · Improper Link Resolution Before File Access