CVE-2025-69194 Wget2: arbitrary file write via metalink path traversal in gnu wget2
Attackers can write files to arbitrary locations via Metalink path traversal in GNU Wget2, potentially leading to data loss or system compromise.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-69194?
CVE-2025-69194 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in gnu:wget2, published on 9 Jan 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
A security issue was discovered in GNU Wget2 when handling Metalink documents. The application fails to properly validate file paths provided in Metalink <file name> elements. An attacker can abuse this behavior to write files to unintended locations on the system. This can lead to data loss or potentially allow further compromise of the user’s environment.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-69194?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Gnu Wget2.
How do I fix CVE-2025-69194?
Upgrade to a fixed version.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2025-69194 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-69194 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Other vulnerabilities in gnu:wget2
Sources
Also known as AZL-73901, DEBIAN-CVE-2025-69194, GHSA-82jv-f4jx-8r27, MGASA-2026-0002, UBUNTU-CVE-2025-69194.