CVE-2026-9804 Kubevirt: kubevirt: vmexport directory symlink escape enables exporter pod file read
An attacker with namespace access can exploit a symlink path traversal in KubeVirt's export server to read arbitrary files from the exporter pod.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-9804?
CVE-2026-9804 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in Red Hat Container Native Virtualization 4.17, published on 28 May 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
A flaw was found in KubeVirt's virt-exportserver component. An attacker with specific namespace-level access can exploit a path traversal vulnerability in the VMExport directory endpoint. By placing a symbolic link (symlink) within an exported filesystem Persistent Volume Claim (PVC) that points outside its designated mount root, the attacker can read arbitrary files from the exporter pod's filesystem. This leads to information disclosure, potentially exposing sensitive data.
Weakness: CWE-59
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-9804?
3 open source packages ship an affected version, including kubevirt.io/kubevirt.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
kubevirt.io/kubevirt Go | All versions | None |
kubevirt.io/kubevirt Go | All versions to 1.9.0-beta.0 | None |
kubevirt.io/kubevirt Go | All versions to 1.9.0-beta.0 | None |
How do I fix CVE-2026-9804?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2026-9804 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-9804 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as AZL-89196, GHSA-mpmf-3w4r-qfpf, GO-2026-5883, MINI-29hx-xp67-ggwj, MINI-8qvj-69cw-58c9, MINI-93cp-qr25-w6m8 and 6 more.