# CVE-2026-48749: Incus has an arbitrary file read+write on host via rootfs/ symlink in malicious image

> Attackers can read or write arbitrary host files via malicious images, potentially leading to code execution in Incus.

- **Severity:** Critical 9.9 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Any signed-in user
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 21 Aug 2026
- **Updated:** 21 Aug 2026
- **Also known as:** DEBIAN-CVE-2026-48749, GHSA-2q3f-q5pq-g8wv, GO-2026-5798, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-48749

## What is CVE-2026-48749?

CVE-2026-48749 is a critical path traversal vulnerability in lxc incus, published on 21 Aug 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

Incus is a system container and virtual machine manager. Prior to version 7.2.0, a specially crafted image can be used to read or create/write arbitrary files on the host; possibly leading to arbitrary command execution. Version 7.2.0 fixes the issue.

Weakness: CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path)

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-48749?

5 open source packages ship an affected version, including github.com/lxc/incus/v7/cmd/incusd, github.com/lxc/incus and github.com/lxc/incus/v6.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `github.com/lxc/incus/v7/cmd/incusd` | Go | All versions | 7.2.0 |
| `github.com/lxc/incus/v7/cmd/incusd` | Go | All versions | 7.2.0 |
| `github.com/lxc/incus` | Go | All versions | None |
| `github.com/lxc/incus/v6` | Go | All versions | None |
| `github.com/lxc/incus/v7` | Go | All versions | 7.2.0 |

## How do I fix CVE-2026-48749?

Upgrade github.com/lxc/incus/v7/cmd/incusd to 7.2.0 or later.

## Is CVE-2026-48749 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-48749 exists.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2026-48749 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2026-48749 is a critical path traversal vulnerability in lxc incus, published on 21 Aug 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-48749 exists.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- github.com/lxc/incus/v7/cmd/incusd (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 7.2.0
- github.com/lxc/incus/v7/cmd/incusd (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 7.2.0
- github.com/lxc/incus (Go): affected all versions; no fix listed
- github.com/lxc/incus/v6 (Go): affected all versions; no fix listed
- github.com/lxc/incus/v7 (Go): affected all versions; fixed in 7.2.0

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-48749/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-48749/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-48749
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-48749
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2026-48749

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2026-48749/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.