CVE-2026-32147: SFTP chroot bypass via path traversal in SSH_FXP_FSETSTAT

Published Apr 21, 2026
·
Updated

Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Erlang OTP ssh (ssh_sftpd module) allows an authenticated SFTP user to modify file attributes outside the configured chroot directory. The SFTP daemon (ssh_sftpd) stores the raw, user-supplied path in file handles instead of the chroot-resolved path. When SSH_FXP_FSETSTAT is issued on such a handle, file attributes (permissions, ownership, timestamps) are modified on the real filesystem path, bypassing the root directory boundary entirely. Any authenticated SFTP user on a server configured with the root option can modify file attributes of files outside the intended chroot boundary. The prerequisite is that a target file must exist on the real filesystem at the same relative path. Note that this vulnerability only allows modification of file attributes; file contents cannot be read or altered through this attack vector. If the SSH daemon runs as root, this enables direct privilege escalation: an attacker can set the setuid bit on any binary, change ownership of sensitive files, or make system configuration world-writable. This vulnerability is associated with program files lib/ssh/src/ssh_sftpd.erl and program routines ssh_sftpd:do_open/4 and ssh_sftpd:handle_op/4. This issue affects OTP from OTP 17.0 until OTP 28.4.3, 27.3.4.11, and 26.2.5.20 corresponding to ssh from 3.01 until 5.5.3, 5.2.11.7, and 5.1.4.15.

Affected Software

9 affected componentsFixes available
Erlang OTP>=17.0<=28.4.3, >=17.0<=27.3.4.11, >=17.0<=26.2.5.20
Erlang OTP SSH>=3.01<=5.5.3, >=3.01<=5.2.11.7, >=3.01<=5.1.4.15
Microsoft azl3 erlang 26.2.5.18-1
Erlang Erlang\/otp>=17.0<26.2.5.20
Erlang Erlang\/otp>=27.0<27.3.4.11
Erlang Erlang\/otp>=28.0<28.4.3
Erlang Erlang\/ssh>=3.0.1<5.1.4.15
Erlang Erlang\/ssh>=5.2<5.2.11.7
Erlang Erlang\/ssh>=5.5<5.5.2

Event History

Apr 21, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:01 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:01 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Apr 26, 2026
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:05 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:05 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:05 AM
DescriptionSeverity
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-32147?

CVE-2026-32147 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on file system security.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-32147?

To fix CVE-2026-32147, upgrade Erlang OTP to a version beyond the vulnerable thresholds listed in the advisory.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2026-32147?

CVE-2026-32147 affects authenticated SFTP users utilizing specific versions of Erlang OTP and the SSH_FXP_FSETSTAT functionality.

4

What functionality does CVE-2026-32147 exploit?

CVE-2026-32147 exploits a path traversal vulnerability allowing modification of file attributes outside of the chroot directory.

5

How can CVE-2026-32147 impact system security?

CVE-2026-32147 can compromise system security by enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory isolation.

Contact

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