CVE-2026-32147: SFTP chroot bypass via path traversal in SSH_FXP_FSETSTAT
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.