USN-8779-2: Bubblewrap regression

Publication date

17 September 2026

Overview

USN-8779-1 introduced a regression in Bubblewrap


Packages

  • bubblewrap - Low-level unprivileged sandboxing tool used by Flatpak and similar projects

Details

USN-8779-1 fixed vulnerabilities in Bubblewrap. Unfortunately, the fix for
CVE-2026-87766 introduced a regression in symlink resolution, preventing
certain Flatpak applications from launching. This update reverts that fix
until a complete fix is available.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Original advisory details:

It was discovered that Bubblewrap incorrectly handled certain temporary
directories. A local attacker could possibly use this issue to cause a
denial of service or execute arbitrary code. This issue only affected
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. (CVE-2019-12439)

It was discovered that Bubblewrap incorrectly handled certain symlinks
during sandbox setup. A local attacker could possibly use this issue to
create files outside of the sandbox. (CVE-2026-87766)

USN-8779-1 fixed vulnerabilities in Bubblewrap. Unfortunately, the fix for
CVE-2026-87766 introduced a regression in symlink resolution, preventing
certain Flatpak applications from launching. This update reverts that fix
until a complete fix is available.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Original advisory details:

It was discovered that Bubblewrap incorrectly handled certain temporary
directories. A local attacker could possibly use this issue to cause a
denial of service or execute arbitrary code. This issue only affected
Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. (CVE-2019-12439)

It was discovered that Bubblewrap incorrectly handled certain symlinks
during sandbox setup. A local attacker could possibly use this issue to
create files outside of the sandbox. (CVE-2026-87766)

Update instructions

In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.

Learn more about how to get the fixes.

The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following package versions:

Ubuntu Release Package Version
20.04 LTS focal bubblewrap –  0.4.0-1ubuntu4.1+esm3  
18.04 LTS bionic bubblewrap –  0.2.1-1ubuntu0.1+esm3  

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