Backstage has a Possible Symlink Path Traversal in Scaffolder Actions
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:
- Read arbitrary files via the
debug:logaction by creating a symlink pointing to sensitive files (e.g.,/etc/passwd, configuration files, secrets) - Delete arbitrary files via the
fs:deleteaction by creating symlinks pointing outside the workspace - 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-defaultsversion 0.12.2, 0.13.2, 0.14.1, 0.15.0@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backendversion 2.2.2, 3.0.2, 3.1.1@backstage/plugin-scaffolder-nodeversion 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
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | @backstage/backend-defaults | < 0.12.2, >= 0.13.0, < 0.13.2, >= 0.14.0, < 0.14.1 | 0.12.2, 0.13.2, 0.14.1 |
| npm package | @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend | < 2.2.2, >= 3.0.0, < 3.0.2, >= 3.1.0, < 3.1.1 | 2.2.2, 3.0.2, 3.1.1 |
| npm package | @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-node | < 0.11.2, >= 0.12.0, < 0.12.3 | 0.11.2, 0.12.3 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-22, CWE-59- Platform
- npm
- Package
@backstage/backend-defaults, @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-backend, @backstage/plugin-scaffolder-node- Disclosed
- 21.01.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-rq6q-wr2q-7pgp - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: @backstage/backend-defaults
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 6
- First → latest
- 01.2026 10.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 2
- Medium 2
- Low 2
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 6
-
Backstage has a Possible Symlink Path Traversal in Scaffolder Actions this entry
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