Path traversal in ruTorrent datadir plugin lets users escape jail
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Attack requirements
- Present
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- None · High · Low
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 4.0 · CNA. Fix status from CNA.
Summary
ruTorrent before 5.3.20 contains a path traversal flaw in the datadir plugin, tracked as CWE-59. The correctDirectory() function does not resolve symbolic links, so an authenticated user can submit a datadir path through a symlink to escape the topDirectory jail. The attacker can create directories and move torrent data to locations writable by the web server or rtorrent. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.0 (Medium).
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-03
Description from the CNA
ruTorrent before 5.3.20 contains a path traversal vulnerability in the datadir plugin that allows authenticated users to escape the topDirectory jail because correctDirectory() does not resolve symbolic links. Attackers can submit a datadir path through a symlink under their top directory to create directories and move torrent data to locations writable by the web server or rtorrent.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
Remediation
Upgrade Novik ruTorrent to version 5.3.20 or later.
Written with Claude Haiku 5.5 from the sources below · 2026-11-03
- Fix · CNA ruTorrent (Novik) Fixed in 5.3.20
Timeline
- 2026-11-03 Threatist record created from CVE-2026-121546
- 2026-11-03 Alias added: GHSA-rh8c-6348-v25w
- 2026-11-05 Priority changed: MEDIUM → LOW
References
Sources
- CVE-2026-121546 · CVE Program
- CVE-2026-121546 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-rh8c-6348-v25w · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
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