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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-62294 flameshot-org CVE debrief

A local unprivileged attacker on the same machine can exploit Flameshot's Open With feature prior to version 14.0.0 to overwrite any file the victim user could write by pre-planting a symlink. This issue arises from a time-of-check to time-of-use race condition that allows an attacker to manipulate the file system. Defenders should be aware of the potential for local attackers to overwrite sensitive files and take steps to verify Flameshot versions and restrict access to sensitive files.

Vendor
flameshot-org
Product
flameshot
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.1
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-15
Original CVE updated
2026-10-24
Advisory published
2026-07-15
Advisory updated
2026-10-24

Who should care

Defenders responsible for systems with Flameshot installed should verify versions and restrict access to sensitive files. This includes IT personnel, security teams, and system administrators who oversee the deployment and maintenance of Flameshot. Additionally, operators and users of Flameshot on potentially vulnerable systems should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect sensitive information.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-62294 allows local attackers to overwrite files using Flameshot's Open With feature prior to version 14.0.0, impacting systems with unprivileged users.

  • Local attackers may overwrite sensitive files
  • Victim users may have arbitrary files overwritten
  • Defenders must verify Flameshot versions and configurations
  • Remediation priority is high for systems with unprivileged users

Technical summary

Flameshot's Open With feature prior to version 14.0.0 creates a time-of-check to time-of-use race that allows a local unprivileged attacker to pre-plant a symlink and cause Flameshot to write PNG data through it, overwriting any file the victim user could write. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by a local attacker without requiring elevated privileges. The issue has been fixed in version 14.0.0, which removes the race condition by properly handling file system operations. Defenders should prioritize verifying Flameshot versions and restricting access to sensitive files to mitigate this vulnerability.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying Flameshot versions and restricting access to sensitive files.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Verify Flameshot version is 14.0.0 or later
  • Restrict access to sensitive files
  • Monitor for suspicious file modifications
  • Review system logs for potential exploitation attempts
  • Implement compensating controls for exposed systems
  • Conduct an asset inventory to identify potentially affected systems
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, but the scope of affected systems and users requires further verification. The Flameshot project has addressed this issue in version 14.0.0. However, defenders must verify that all instances of Flameshot have been updated and that access to sensitive files is properly restricted. Additional review of system logs and monitoring for suspicious activity is recommended.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-62294 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-62294

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-62294 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-62294

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.