CVE-2026-32657 in AppSync
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2026
Dell AppSync Version 4.6.0.0, Dell Metro Node Version 8.0.0, Dell UCC Edge Version 3.0.1, Dell VxRail Version 8.0.322, Dell PowerMax Version 10.3.0, Dell Unity Version 5.4, Dell PowerFlex Manager Version 4.5.4, Dell PowerFlex Intelligent Catalog Versions 46.377.00 and 46.382.00 and Dell PowerFlex Rack version 4.5.4 and prior versions, contain(s) an UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2026
The identified security flaw represents a classic Unix symbolic link following vulnerability affecting multiple Dell enterprise storage and infrastructure management products including AppSync Version 4.6.0.0 Metro Node Version 8.0.0 UCC Edge Version 3.0.1 VxRail Version 8.0.322 PowerMax Version 10.3.0 Unity Version 5.4 PowerFlex Manager Version 4.5.4 and various PowerFlex Intelligent Catalog and Rack versions prior to the specified patches This vulnerability stems from improper handling of symbolic links during file system operations which allows an attacker with local access on a low-privileged account to manipulate how files are written or read by privileged processes
The technical root cause lies in the application logic failing to verify that a target path is not a symbolic link before performing write or overwrite operations This behavior aligns directly with CWE-59 Improper Link Resolution Before File Access which describes scenarios where software uses user-supplied input to construct file paths but fails to ensure the resolved path points to an expected location rather than a maliciously created symlink By leveraging this flaw an attacker can create symbolic links pointing to sensitive system files such as configuration files credential stores or binary executables with higher privilege levels
When a privileged process subsequently interacts with these manipulated paths it inadvertently modifies or replaces critical system components based on the attackers instructions This mechanism facilitates Elevation of Privileges CWE-269 allowing the low-privileged user to effectively gain administrative control over the affected Dell infrastructure component The operational impact is severe as compromise of such systems can lead to unauthorized access to stored data disruption of storage services and potential lateral movement within the enterprise network environment
This vulnerability maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1055 Process Injection or more specifically T1548 Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism depending on the specific exploitation vector used by an adversary seeking to escalate privileges through file system manipulation The ability to redirect writes via symlinks is a common initial step in privilege escalation chains where attackers seek to overwrite configuration files that are loaded with root permissions thereby executing arbitrary code or altering security policies
Mitigation requires immediate application of vendor-provided patches for all affected versions listed above including Dell AppSync Metro Node UCC Edge VxRail PowerMax Unity and the full suite of PowerFlex products Administrators should also enforce strict file permission controls ensuring that low-privileged users cannot create symbolic links in directories accessed by privileged services Additionally implementing mandatory access control systems such as SELinux or AppArmor can provide an additional layer of defense by restricting symlink creation and resolution even if application-level checks are bypassed Regular auditing of file system permissions and monitoring for unusual symlink activity further reduces the risk of exploitation