# CVE-2026-115207: Patch: filename validation bypass in reversal fallback allows file creation outside the working directory

CVE-2026-115207 is fixed in patch on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-115207 (version 2.8.1-1), released October 27, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-115207
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: 5.5 (Moderate)
- EPSS: 0.0014
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Oct 22, 2026
- Weakness: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
- Vendor advisory: https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-115207

## Description

A flaw was found in GNU patch. An attacker can achieve arbitrary file creation outside the intended working directory by enticing a user or automated workflow to apply a specially crafted patch file. Due to missing validation during automatic patch reversal, absolute file paths in patch headers are accepted rather than rejected. Consequently, the utility can create files in arbitrary locations with the permissions of the executing user.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | patch Debian 14 | 2.8.1-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-115207](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-115207.md) | Oct 27, 2026 |

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Data as of 2026-11-09T01:18:40Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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