CVE-2026-37531: linuxfoundation automotive_grade_linux Path Traversal

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-37531 is a critical (CVSS 9.8) Path Traversal vulnerability in linuxfoundation automotive_grade_linux. EPSS estimates a 0.85% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 57.5% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 01-05-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 01-05-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

AGL app-framework-main thru 17.1.12 contains a Zip Slip path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) combined with a TOCTOU race condition (CWE-367) in the widget installation flow. The is_valid_filename function in wgtpkg-zip.c validates ZIP entry names but does not check for dot notation directory traversal sequences it only blocks absolute paths. The zread extraction function uses openat(workdirfd, filename, O_CREAT) which resolves dot notation values relative to the work directory, allowing files to be written anywhere on the filesystem. Critically, in function install_widget in file wgtpkg-install.c, extraction via zread occurs BEFORE signature verification via check_all_signatures. Even if signature verification fails, the error cleanup (remove_workdir) only deletes the temporary work directory files written outside via path traversal persist permanently.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The 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-367Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race ConditionThe product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.