CVE-2026-55201 remediation guide
Hackplayers evil-winrm
Evil-WinRM through 3.9, fixed in commit 6ecd570, contains a path traversal vulnerability in the download_dir() function that allows a rogue or compromised remote Windows server to write files outside the intended download directory by returning filenames with traversal sequences from Get-ChildItem command output that are passed unsanitized to File.join(). Attackers controlling the remote server can exploit this to overwrite sensitive client-side files such as SSH authorized_keys or shell configuration files, achieving persistent access or privilege escalation on the client machine.
A verified fixed-version field is not available. Use the linked NVD and supporting references, then confirm the vendor-supported path before changing production systems.
Identify the affected asset
Confirm whether Hackplayers evil-winrm is installed, record the deployed version and installation path, and identify exposed interfaces.
- Record the product name, package or appliance identifier, and installed version.
- Identify internet-facing, administrative, API, and internal access paths.
- Preserve the pre-change configuration and relevant service logs.
Validate the affected-version match
Compare the deployed version with the affected range: <= 3.9. Treat incomplete inventory results as unresolved.
Prioritize with independent signals
The CVSS severity warrants an early asset and exposure review. Combine this signal with asset criticality, exposure, compensating controls, and business impact.
Apply supported remediation
Follow the vendor advisory or supported update path. Current fixed-version status: No verified fixed-version field is available yet. Preserve configuration and rollback material before change.
Verify the result
Confirm the resulting version, service health, authentication and access paths, monitoring coverage, and relevant security logs.
- Confirm the expected version and package state.
- Run a functional health check for critical service paths.
- Review authentication, error, application, and security monitoring logs.
- Reassess exposure if the supported fix cannot be applied.
Operational boundary
This page does not replace the vendor advisory, support contract, change-management process, or recovery plan. Do not infer that an asset is unaffected from an incomplete inventory query or a missing fixed-version field.