uutils coreutils has a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition

Description

A Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerability exists in the split utility of uutils coreutils. The program attempts to prevent data loss by checking for identity between input and output files using their file paths before initiating the split operation. However, the utility subsequently opens the output file with truncation after this path-based validation is complete. A local attacker with write access to the directory can exploit this race window by manipulating mutable path components (e.g., swapping a path with a symbolic link). This can cause split to truncate and write to an unintended target file, potentially including the input file itself or other sensitive files accessible to the process, leading to permanent data loss.

Basic information

Type
reviewed
Severity
medium
Advisory on GitHub
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Repository advisory
Source code
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Published (advisory)
2026-04-22 18:31:46 UTC
Updated
2026-04-30 17:54:59 UTC
GitHub reviewed
2026-04-30 17:54:59 UTC
NVD published
2026-04-22

EPSS Score

Score Percentile
0.01% 2.18%

CVSS Scores

Base score Version Severity Vector
6.3 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H Click to expand
Attack vector (AV:L)
They already need access on the box, or another person has to do something wrong; it’s not a remote drive-by.
Attack complexity (AC:H)
Even with access, the exploit needs extra luck, timing, or a fussy environment to actually work.
Privileges required (PR:L)
A normal user session is enough; they don’t have to be admin.
User interaction (UI:N)
Nobody has to click “OK” or open a trap file; it can work without a victim helping.
Scope (S:U)
Damage stays in the same “trust bubble” as the broken component—no big spill into unrelated systems.
Confidentiality (C:N)
Doesn’t really leak secrets in a meaningful way.
Integrity (I:H)
They could widely tamper with or forge data—trust in the data is badly hurt.
Availability (A:H)
Could take the service down hard or make it unusable for people who depend on it.

Identifiers

CWEs

CWE id Name
CWE-367 Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition

Affected packages (1)

Vulnerable version ranges and first patched releases as published by GitHub.

Ecosystem Package Vulnerable range First patched Vulnerable functions
rust coreutils <= 0.8.0

References

cvelogic Threat Intelligence