CVE-2026-23745

node-tar is a Tar for Node.js. The node-tar library (<= 7.5.2) fails to sanitize the linkpath of Link (hardlink) and SymbolicLink entries when preservePaths is false (the default secure behavior). This allows malicious archives to bypass the extraction root restriction, leading to Arbitrary File Overwrite via hardlinks and Symlink Poisoning via absolute symlink targets. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.5.3.

What this means for your business

It affects Isaacs Tar. It matters if your company, or a supplier that handles your data, runs it.
Code showing how to exploit it has been published, but real attacks have not been confirmed.
An attacker can use it only with access to the machine itself, without a login, but only after tricking someone into an action such as opening a file or a link.

What to do

1Check whether your company or your suppliers run Isaacs Tar, and which version. The affected versions are listed further down this page.
2If you do, apply the vendor's fix. A patch or vendor advisory has been published.

Not sure if your company is exposed?

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Scoring

CVSS: 6.1 (v3.1)
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N
CVSS v4: 8.2
Weakness: CWE-22
Assigned by: security-advisories@github.com

Dates

Published: 2026-01-16
Last modified: 2026-09-07
Sources: NVD

Affected products

Isaacs Tar- 7.5.3

As listed in the NVD configuration data. Not a statement about your estate.