---
id: "CVE-2026-121549"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-121549"]
title: "nnn: pdfread and nuke plugins let local users overwrite files via /tmp symlinks"
severity: "medium"
cvss: 4.4
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "package"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["linux", "macos", "nnn", "package", "shared-hosts"]
not_affected_if: ["nnn-newer-than-5.3", "plugins-not-installed", "single-user-machine"]
published_at: "2026-11-03T16:17:26+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-11-03T16:21:44+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-11-03T16:24:22+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121549", "first_seen_at": "2026-11-03T16:21:44+00:00"}]
---

# nnn: pdfread and nuke plugins let local users overwrite files via /tmp symlinks

The pdfread and nuke plugins for the nnn terminal file manager create temporary files at predictable paths in /tmp. A local attacker can pre-create a symlink at that path so the plugin truncates and overwrites any file the victim can write.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the installed nnn version with `nnn -V` and compare it against the range in the sources.
- Look for the pdfread or nuke plugins in the plugin directory and confirm whether they are in use.

## Fix

- Patch referenced in the sources (github.com); the fixed version number is unknown.

## Timeline

- 2026-11-03T16:21:44+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-121549

## Documents

- [advisory] Third-party advisory: www.vulncheck.com https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/nnn-through-5.3-insecure-temporary-file-symlink-overwrite-via-pdfread-and-nuke-plugins
- [fix] Patch: github.com https://github.com/jarun/nnn/commit/04715921aece0257fef7a8558c0783493d98efff

## From the sources

nnn through 5.3 contains an insecure temporary file vulnerability in the pdfread and nuke plugins that allows local attackers to overwrite files by exploiting predictable paths in /tmp. Attackers can pre-create a symlink at the name-derived or PID-derived path so the victim's plugin truncates and overwrites any file the victim can write.

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_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_