The hook
rclone's Remote Control API is useful for automation, but it belongs behind localhost, VPN, or strong authentication. CVE-2026-41179 affects reachable RC deployments where operations/fsinfo crosses the expected authorization boundary.
How it works
rclone deployments affected by CVE-2026-41179 can expose Remote Control fsinfo behavior without the expected authentication boundary. The risk is command execution or backend access on affected, reachable RC services, depending on runtime version and deployment controls.
The blast radius
A confirmed exposure means unauthenticated callers can reach rclone RC behavior that should be restricted. On affected release lines, public advisories describe command-execution impact when attacker-controlled backend configuration is accepted; FixVibe does not attempt command execution.
// what fixvibe checks
What FixVibe checks
FixVibe checks this class with verified-domain active testing that is bounded, non-destructive, and evidence-driven. Public reports describe the affected surface and remediation. For check-specific questions about exact detection heuristics, active payload details, or source-code rule patterns, contact support@fixvibe.app.
Ironclad defenses
Upgrade rclone to 1.73.5 or newer, disable RC if it is not required, require RC authentication when it remains enabled, and restrict the listener to localhost, VPN, or trusted networks. Review RC logs and rotate backend credentials if the API was internet-reachable.