github.comvdb entryVendor advisory
https://github.com/canonical/lxd/security/advisories/GHSA-9hcm-hxh5-7xxh CVE-2026-16033
HIGH
Arbitrary file read+write on host via templates/ symlink in malicious image
Record summary
CVE-2026-16033 has a selected CVSS score of 8.5 (high).
Description
A path traversal vulnerability in LXD allows an attacker to achieve arbitrary host file read or unconstrained file creation. When processing image metadata templates, LXD fails to properly sanitize or restrict template file paths from escaping the instance templates directory (specifically affecting virtual machine / QEMU driver execution paths). An attacker can exploit this flaw by providing a crafted image archive with malicious template directives containing path traversal sequences, causing LXD to access or write files outside the intended template directory on the host system.
Description source: CVE List
Exploitation context
CISA SSVC decision
ExploitationPoC
AutomatableNo
Technical impactPartial
CISA Coordinator · SSVC 2.0.3 · Evaluated Aug 13, 2026 · Source: CVE List
Affected products and versions
1| Product | Source | Version range | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Default status: unaffected | CVE List | 4.0.0 to < 4.0.12 | affected |
| 5.0.0 to < 5.0.8 | affected |