Signal is active with 2 mentions in latest observed window
Recommended action window: Monitor and triage in normal cycle
NVD description
Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory in the aws:downloadContent plugin in amazon-ssm-agent before 3.3.4515.0 might allow an authenticated remote user whose ssm:SendCommand permission is restricted to the AWS-DownloadContent document, to write arbitrary files outside the intended download directory with root privileges, via crafted object keys in the S3 source the document is directed to retrieve. This issue may lead to arbitrary code execution as root if specific sensitive files are overwritten. To remediate this issue, customers should upgrade amazon-ssm-agent to version 3.3.4515.0 or later.
Priority
LOW
Exploitation
NONE
PoC
NONE
Patch
AVAILABLE
Momentum
NONE
Got my first CVE from AWS CVE-2026-81849, a critical path traversal in amazon-ssm-agent's aws:downloadContent plugin leading to arbitrary root file write / RCE on EC2 instances. https://aws.amazon.com/security/security-bulletins/2026-091-aws/
Post summary
The post announces AWS CVE‑2026‑81849, a critical path traversal in amazon‑ssm‑agent that permits arbitrary root file writes and RCE on EC2 instances.
🚨High - Amazon SSM Agent aws:downloadContent Path Traversal to Root File Write (CVE-2026-81849) amazon-ssm-agent aws:downloadContent plugin mishandles S3 object keys, allowing ../ path traversal to write files outside the download dir as root when invoked via ssm:SendCommand restricted to AWS-DownloadContent. Overwriting privileged files can pivot to root RCE. 👉Affected: amazon-ssm-agent < 3.3.4515.0 | Upgrade to 3.3.4515.0
Post summary
Amazon SSM Agent’s aws:downloadContent plugin allows path traversal and root file writes (CVE‑2026‑81849), a high‑severity issue resolved by upgrading to version 3.3.4515.0.