LangChain: Path traversal and sandbox escape in LangChain file-search middleware and loaders

## Summary Several LangChain components that resolve filesystem paths or expand search patterns do not consistently confine the *resolved* path to the intended root directory. Affected behaviors include: a file-search agent middleware that validates a starting directory but not the search pattern or the resolved target of matched files, so glob patterns and symlinks can reach files outside the configured root; prompt- and chain/agent-configuration loaders that accept path fields and resolve them without confining the result to a trusted base or rejecting symlink targets; and path-prefix authorization checks that compare by string prefix without a path-segment boundary, so a sibling path sharing the prefix is accepted. When these components receive path values, search patterns, or workspace contents influenced by an untrusted source , including an LLM acting on untrusted input , the result can be disclosure of files outside the intended boundary. We have no evidence of this behavior being triggered in the wild. ## Affected users / systems You may be affected if you expose an agent with filesystem-search middleware over a directory and accept prompts or retrieved content influenced by untrusted sources; load prompt or chain/agent configuration from untrusted or shared sources; or rely on path-prefix restrictions to confine tool file access. Callers that confine these components to fully trusted inputs and first-party configuration are not affected. ## Impact - Confidentiality: disclosure of file contents outside the intended root/sandbox. - Authorization: path-prefix bypass can grant access to sibling resources beyond the intended subtree. ## Patches / mitigation The affected components will canonicalize candidate paths (resolving symlinks) and verify the resolved real path remains within the configured root before reading or returning it; search patterns will be normalized so they cannot escape the root; configuration loaders will confine resolved path fields and reject symlink escapes unless the caller explicitly opts in to dangerous loading; and path-prefix checks will enforce a path-segment boundary. Path validation will be made operating-system-portable. ## Compatibility Callers that already pass only in-root paths, validated configuration, and trusted search inputs see no behavioral change. Callers that intentionally reference external paths can opt in via the existing dangerous-loading flag. ## Operational guidance Confine filesystem-backed agent tools to a dedicated directory and prefer running them sandboxed/containerized; validate path and identifier inputs where untrusted input enters; do not enable dangerous loading for configuration whose origin you do not control. ## LangSmith / hosted deployments note This issue concerns library components executed by agents.

CVSS 3.1

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Severity from

GitHub (reviewed advisory)

Weakness

CWE-22, CWE-59

Also known as

CVE-2026-55443, PYSEC-2026-2192, PYSEC-2026-2556

• github.com/langchain-ai/langchain/security/advisories/GHSA-gr75-jv2w-4656
• nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-55443
• github.com/langchain-ai/langchain/commit/dcaf7795a3e6590af55c3ff7bda6add6355e9ea6
• github.com/langchain-ai/langchain