CVE-2026-97023
flatpak: flatpak: Arbitrary file deletion in root context via path traversal in deploy directory export/bin
Severity
ImportantRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · September 28, 2026
Updated · November 4, 2026
Description
A path traversal vulnerability in Flatpak's handling of the export/bin directory during app deployment allows a malicious Flatpak app to cause deletion of attacker-chosen files outside the deployment directory when the app is installed or upgraded. In system-wide installations, the deletion is performed as root.
Statement
Red Hat estimates the CVSSv3.1 vector of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H from provided CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:N/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N. The attack requires user interaction and does not cross a security boundary, meaning the scope is unchanged.
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
Avoid installing Flatpak apps from non-trusted publishers, particularly in system-wide deployments.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 7.1CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:H
CWE-61 · UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following