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CVE-2026-44941 SUSE CVE debrief

CVE-2026-44941 is a HIGH severity vulnerability in libzypp, a package manager library used in openSUSE and SUSE Linux distributions. The vulnerability allows an attacker to inject or overwrite files in the target system as root by supplying a malicious repository. This issue arises from a relative path traversal in the 'keyhint' option in repomd.xml parsing of libzypp before version 17.38.12. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who can supply a malicious repository. Users and administrators of openSUSE and SUSE Linux distributions who use libzypp should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it.

Vendor
SUSE
Product
libzypp
CVSS
HIGH 8.4
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-02
Original CVE updated
2026-07-07
Advisory published
2026-07-02
Advisory updated
2026-07-07

Who should care

Users and administrators of openSUSE and SUSE Linux distributions who use libzypp should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. This includes reviewing the system for potential compromises and applying patches or upgrades as soon as possible. Additionally, users should restrict access to repository configuration and metadata, and monitor for suspicious repository activity.

Technical summary

A relative path traversal vulnerability exists in the 'keyhint' option in repomd.xml parsing of libzypp before version 17.38.12. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who can supply a malicious repository to inject or overwrite files in the target system as root. The vulnerability is a result of insufficient validation of the 'keyhint' option, allowing an attacker to manipulate the file path and inject or overwrite files in the target system.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to patching or upgrading libzypp to version 17.38.12 or later. Additionally, users should restrict access to repository configuration and metadata, and monitor for suspicious repository activity.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the patch or upgrade libzypp to version 17.38.12 or later
  • Restrict access to repository configuration and metadata
  • Monitor for suspicious repository activity
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-02T16:16:30.550Z and was last modified on 2026-07-07T14:16:30.810Z. The NVD entry is currently Undergoing Analysis. This information is based on the provided source corpus and may not reflect the current status. Users should verify the information with the official CVE record or NVD entry for the most up-to-date details.

Official resources

AI-assisted PatchSiren debrief based on the supplied source corpus. The CVE record was published on 2026-07-02T16:16:30.550Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Undergoing Analysis.