CVE-2026-35465 SecureDrop Client has path injection in read_gzip_header_filename()
A compromised server can achieve code execution on the SecureDrop Client VM by exploiting path traversal in gzip extraction to overwrite critical files.
- 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
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-35465?
CVE-2026-35465 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in freedomofpress securedrop-client, published on 18 Apr 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
SecureDrop Client is a desktop app for journalists to securely communicate with sources and handle submissions on the SecureDrop Workstation. In versions 0.17.4 and below, a compromised SecureDrop Server can achieve code execution on the Client's virtual machine (sd-app) by exploiting improper filename validation in gzip archive extraction, which permits absolute paths and enables overwriting critical files like the SQLite database. Exploitation requires prior compromise of the dedicated SecureDrop Server, which itself is hardened and only accessible via Tor hidden services. Despite the high attack complexity, the vulnerability is rated High severity due to its significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of decrypted source submissions. This issue is similar to CVE-2025-24888 but occurs through a different code path, and a more robust fix has been implemented in the replacement SecureDrop Inbox codebase. The issue has been fixed in version 0.17.5.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-35465?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Freedom Securedrop-Client.
How do I fix CVE-2026-35465?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-35465 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2026-35465 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-35465 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-2jrc-x8fq-prvc.