CVE-2026-24842: node-tar Vulnerable to Arbitrary File Creation/Overwrite via Hardlink Path Traversal

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-24842 is a high (CVSS 8.2) vulnerability in isaacs node-tar. EPSS estimates a 0.61% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 49.1% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded.

Timeline

1. 28-01-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 07-09-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

node-tar,a Tar for Node.js, contains a vulnerability in versions prior to 7.5.7 where the security check for hardlink entries uses different path resolution semantics than the actual hardlink creation logic. This mismatch allows an attacker to craft a malicious TAR archive that bypasses path traversal protections and creates hardlinks to arbitrary files outside the extraction directory. Version 7.5.7 contains a fix for the issue.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted DirectoryThe product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
• CWE-59Improper Link Resolution Before File AccessThe product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.