CVE-2026-44510 rsync vulnerability
Rsync is a file-copying tool that uses a delta-transfer algorithm to synchronize remote and local files. In versions prior to 3.4.3, the receiver-side out-of-bounds array read in rsync's recv_files() lets a malicious rsync server (or any peer acting in the sender role) deterministically crash any rsync client that pulls from it. The trigger is fully wire-protocol-level, requires no special options on the victim, and works for both rsync:// URLs and remote-shell pulls; since inc_recurse is the protocol-30+ default, any client doing a normal recursive pull against an attacker-controlled URL is exposed. A malicious server sets CF_INC_RECURSE, sends a flist whose first sorted entry is not the leading "." directory (causing parent_ndx to be set to -1), then sends a transfer record with ndx = 0 and an iflag omitting ITEM_TRANSFER, causing the receiver to read 8 bytes before the allocated pointer array and dereference the result in f_name(). The impact is crash-only: the out-of-bounds read lands in glibc mmap chunk metadata and dereferences to an unmapped low address, producing a SEGV that cannot be leveraged into an exploit (confirmed on glibc x86-64 Linux; non-glibc allocators not audited). This issue is fixed in version 3.4.3.
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RsyncProject rsync should be reviewed and updated if it matches the affected versions. The recommended fix is to apply the vendor-supported patched version or the mitigation steps below, then retest the public website with Fixnx.
Who is affected
Affected versions
- < 3.4.3
Fixed versions
- Apply the latest vendor-supported patched version.
How to fix it
CVE-2026-44510 affects rsync and involves file access or path traversal. Successful exploitation may disclose files outside the intended directory, including configuration or secret data. Prioritize deployments that process untrusted input, expose the affected feature, or hold sensitive data. Upgrade rsync to 3.4.3 or later on clients that pull from remote peers.
- Inventory every deployment, device, package, plugin, container, build, and environment that uses rsync.
- Compare the installed version with the recorded affected range: < 3.4.3.
- Upgrade rsync to 3.4.3 or later on clients that pull from remote peers.
- Until patched, reduce public exposure, disable the affected workflow where practical, and allow access only from trusted users and systems.
- Review configuration, roles, tokens, network paths, and exposed endpoints connected to rsync; remove access that is not required.
- Review application, system, proxy, and audit logs for requests and behavior linked to the affected feature and CVE.
- If exploitation is suspected, isolate affected assets, preserve evidence, rotate exposed credentials or keys, restore trusted data, and rebuild compromised systems before returning them to service.
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Verify the fix
- Confirm every affected asset now runs the fixed vendor-supported release or has the documented mitigation for CVE-2026-44510 in place.
- Use a safe regression test to confirm the affected file access or path traversal path no longer produces the vulnerable behavior.
- Confirm temporary access controls, endpoint restrictions, network blocks, and least-privilege settings remain effective after the update.
- Review post-remediation logs and rerun Fixnx plus the relevant package, dependency, firmware, browser, or product-specific security check.
- Document affected assets, versions, changes, validation evidence, reviewed logs, and any credential rotation, cleanup, or replacement completed.
Related categories
Related security risks
More published guidance from the same primary category.
Trusted references
FAQ
What is affected by CVE-2026-44510?
RsyncProject rsync versions listed as affected should be reviewed: < 3.4.3.
What should I fix first?
Start with internet-facing sites, admin panels, login flows, plugins, themes, modules, packages, and systems that process user-controlled input or sensitive data.
How do I confirm the fix worked?
Apply the patched version or mitigation, clear caches where relevant, retest the affected workflow, and run a new Fixnx scan to verify public website exposure signals.
How are Fixnx security risk categories chosen?
Fixnx keeps one canonical risk page and assigns only broad, relevant categories such as ecosystem, technology area, or vulnerability class.