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GHSA-rq6q-wr2q-7pgp

HighCVSS 7.1 / 10
Published Jan 21, 2026·Last modified Feb 3, 2026
Affected Components(0)

No affected components available

Description

Impact

Multiple Scaffolder actions and archive extraction utilities were vulnerable to symlink-based path traversal attacks. An attacker with access to create and execute Scaffolder templates could exploit symlinks to:

  1. Read arbitrary files via the debug:log action by creating a symlink pointing to sensitive files (e.g., /etc/passwd, configuration files, secrets)
  2. Delete arbitrary files via the fs:delete action by creating symlinks pointing outside the workspace
  3. Write files outside the workspace via archive extraction (tar/zip) containing malicious symlinks

This affects any Backstage deployment where users can create or execute Scaffolder templates.

Patches

This vulnerability is fixed in the following package versions:

  • @backstage/backend-defaults version 0.12.2, 0.13.2, 0.14.1, 0.15.0
  • @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend version 2.2.2, 3.0.2, 3.1.1
  • @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-node version 0.11.2, 0.12.3

Users should upgrade to these versions or later.

Workarounds

  • Follow the recommendation in the Backstage Threat Model to limit access to creating and updating templates
  • Restrict who can create and execute Scaffolder templates using the permissions framework
  • Audit existing templates for symlink usage
  • Run Backstage in a containerized environment with limited filesystem access

References

Risk Scores
Base Score
7.1

The vulnerability can be exploited over the network without needing physical access. It is difficult for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability and may require special conditions. An attacker needs basic access or low-level privileges. No user interaction is needed for the attacker to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability can affect other systems as well, not just the initial system. There is a high impact on the confidentiality of the information. There is a low impact on the availability of the system.

Threat Intelligence
6.5

Exploitation attempts have been detected. Elevated vigilance and prompt remediation are advised.

EPSS
0.48%

The exploit probability is very low. The vulnerability is unlikely to be exploited in the next 30 days.

Exploit
Not available

We did not find any exploit available. Neither in GitHub repositories nor in the Exploit-Database.

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