If left unpatched, CVE-2026-35374 could lead to major system disruptions or data loss.
Status: Received on 22 Apr 2026, 17:16 UTC
Published on: 22 Apr 2026, 17:16 UTC
CVSS Release: version 3
security@ubuntu.com
Secondary
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H
CVE-2026-35374: A Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerability exists in the split utility of uutils coreutils. The program attempts to prevent data loss by checking for identity between input and output files using their file paths before initiating the split operation. However, the utility subsequently opens the output file with truncation after this path-based validation is complete. A local attacker with write access to the directory can exploit this race window by manipulating mutable path components (e.g., swapping a path with a symbolic link). This can cause split to truncate and write to an unintended target file, potentially including the input file itself or other sensitive files accessible to the process, leading to permanent data loss.
The exploitability of CVE-2026-35374 depends on two key factors: attack complexity (the level of effort required to execute an exploit) and privileges required (the access level an attacker needs).
This vulnerability, CVE-2026-35374, requires a high level of attack complexity and low privileges, making it difficult but not impossible to exploit. Organizations should ensure robust security configurations to mitigate risks.
A lower complexity and fewer privilege requirements make exploitation easier. Security teams should evaluate these aspects to determine the urgency of mitigation strategies, such as patch management and access control policies.
Attack Complexity (AC) measures the difficulty in executing an exploit. A high AC means that specific conditions must be met, making an attack more challenging, while a low AC means the vulnerability can be exploited with minimal effort.
Privileges Required (PR) determine the level of system access necessary for an attack. Vulnerabilities requiring no privileges are more accessible to attackers, whereas high privilege requirements limit exploitation to authorized users with elevated access.
Above is the CVSS Sub-score Breakdown for CVE-2026-35374, illustrating how Base, Impact, and Exploitability factors combine to form the overall severity rating. A higher sub-score typically indicates a more severe or easier-to-exploit vulnerability.
Below is the Impact Analysis for CVE-2026-35374, showing how Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability might be affected if the vulnerability is exploited. Higher values usually signal greater potential damage.
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