CVE-2026-39973
Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files.
Published Apr 21, 2026 · corrected/updated Jun 17, 2026 · apktool apktool · evidence confidence medium
Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files. In versions 3.0.0 and 3.0.1, a path traversal vulnerability in allows a maliciously crafted APK to write arbitrary files to the filesystem during standard decoding ( ). This is a security regression introduced in commit e10a045 (PR #4041, December 12, 2025), which removed the call that previously prevented path traversal in resource file output paths. An attacker can embed sequences in the Type String Pool to escape the output directory and write files to arbitrary locations, including , , or Windows Startup folders, escalating to RCE. The fix in version 3.0.2 re-introduces in before file write operations.
Grounded briefings
Catalog interpretations for three audiences. Each brief cites ingested metadata and the original advisories below. They are not independent research and they do not invent exploit steps.
Executive
CVE-2026-39973 is a high public vulnerability record for apktool apktool. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. This summary is a catalog interpretation of the ingested metadata and cites the original advisories below.
System administrator
Identify whether apktool apktool is in your estate, then compare installed versions with the affected ranges. Affected packages or ranges on record: apktool/apktool. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. Prefer the vendor or distribution advisory linked in Sources before changing production systems. This is a catalog interpretation, not a runbook.
Security analyst
Signals on file: CVSS 7.1. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Weakness classes: CWE-22. Sources contributing to this record: cve_org, nvd. Public exploit references, when present, are outbound links only and are not proof of active exploitation. This is a catalog interpretation of stored metadata.
Exploitation and remediation
Exploitation evidence
Not listed as known exploited in CISA KEV. Not in the CISA KEV catalog.
Patch and remediation
No required-action text is stored yet. Use the vendor or CERT links in Sources for patch availability.
Safe detection guidance
Compare installed versions with the affected ranges below and verify the advisory from the original publisher. This site stores metadata and outbound links only; it does not ship exploit code or proof-of-concept payloads.
Code
The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.
Timeline
Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.
Apr 21, 2026 · NIST NVD
Detected
Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files. In versions 3.0.0 and 3.0.1, a path traversal vulnerability in allows a maliciously crafted APK to write arbitrary files to the filesystem during standard decoding ( ). This is a security regression introduced in commit e10a045 (PR #4041, December 12, 2025), which removed the call that previously prevented path traversal in resource file
Jun 17, 2026 · NIST NVD
Updated
Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files. In versions 3.0.0 and 3.0.1, a path traversal vulnerability in allows a maliciously crafted APK to write arbitrary files to the filesystem during standard decoding ( ). This is a security regression introduced in commit e10a045 (PR #4041, December 12, 2025), which removed the call that previously prevented path traversal in resource file
Affected
- cpe apktool/apktoolversion unspecified
Sources
- CVE.orgVulnerability recordCVE-2026-39973
Official CVE identifier
cve.org - NIST NVDVulnerability recordCVE-2026-39973
Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering Android APK files. In versions 3.0.0 and 3.0.1, a path traversal vulnerability in allows a maliciously crafted APK to write arbitrary files to the filesystem during standard decoding (`apkto
nvd.nist.gov