From ec944345b3383cd421bbd281419d4c7ff1bf3022 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:07:36 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 1/7] syscall: follow trusted sender ancestor links

---
 syscall.c                                  | 25 ++++++++++
 t_secure_relpath.c                         | 58 ++++++++++++++++++++++
 testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py | 56 +++++++++++++++++++++
 3 files changed, 139 insertions(+)
 create mode 100644 testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py

diff --git a/syscall.c b/syscall.c
index 81e12f906..d061c7326 100644
--- a/syscall.c
+++ b/syscall.c
@@ -3246,6 +3246,31 @@ int secure_relative_open(const char *basedir, const char *relpath, int flags, mo
 		flags |= O_NOATIME;
 #endif
 
+#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
+	if (!am_daemon && am_sender && basedir && strcmp(basedir, "/") == 0 && *relpath) {
+		/* Absolute sender names retain their ancestors with --relative.  Follow
+		 * trusted-owned ancestor symlinks, not a RESOLVE_BENEATH walk that rejects
+		 * /mnt/home -> /initrd/mnt/dev_save.  Daemon and cwd anchors stay confined. */
+		char fullpath[MAXPATHLEN];
+		const char *bname;
+		int dfd, fd, saved_errno;
+		if (snprintf(fullpath, sizeof fullpath, "/%s", relpath) >= (int)sizeof fullpath) {
+			errno = ENAMETOOLONG;
+			return -1;
+		}
+		if (flags & O_DIRECTORY)
+			return open_no_attacker_symlinks(fullpath, flags, mode);
+		dfd = owner_walk_parent(fullpath, &bname);
+		if (dfd < 0)
+			return -1;
+		fd = openat(dfd, bname, flags | O_NOFOLLOW, mode);
+		saved_errno = errno;
+		close(dfd);
+		errno = saved_errno;
+		return fd;
+	}
+#endif
+
 #if !defined(O_NOFOLLOW) || !defined(O_DIRECTORY) || !defined(AT_FDCWD)
 	// really old system, all we can do is live with the risks
 	if (!basedir) {
diff --git a/t_secure_relpath.c b/t_secure_relpath.c
index d20570d61..74e578614 100644
--- a/t_secure_relpath.c
+++ b/t_secure_relpath.c
@@ -173,6 +173,63 @@ static void check_beneath_dotdot(void)
 	close(anchor);
 }
 
+static void check_sender_absolute_ancestor(void)
+{
+#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
+	char cwd[MAXPATHLEN], target[MAXPATHLEN], path[MAXPATHLEN];
+	int fd;
+	if (!getcwd(cwd, sizeof cwd)
+	 || snprintf(target, sizeof target, "%s/subdir", cwd) >= (int)sizeof target
+	 || snprintf(path, sizeof path, "%s/absolute-alias", cwd) >= (int)sizeof path
+	 || symlink(target, "absolute-alias") < 0) {
+		perror("absolute ancestor fixture");
+		errs++;
+		return;
+	}
+	am_daemon = 0;
+	am_sender = 1;
+	fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
+	if (fd < 0) {
+		perror("trusted absolute sender ancestor");
+		errs++;
+	} else
+		close(fd);
+	fd = secure_relative_open(NULL, "absolute-alias", O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
+	if (fd >= 0 || errno != ELOOP) {
+		fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [cwd sender ancestor]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
+		if (fd >= 0)
+			close(fd);
+		errs++;
+	}
+	if (symlink("missing", "subdir/leaf-link") < 0
+	 || snprintf(path, sizeof path, "%s/absolute-alias/leaf-link", cwd) >= (int)sizeof path) {
+		perror("sender leaf fixture");
+		errs++;
+	} else {
+		fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY, 0);
+		if (fd >= 0 || errno != ELOOP) {
+			fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [absolute sender leaf]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
+			if (fd >= 0)
+				close(fd);
+			errs++;
+		}
+	}
+	am_daemon = 1;
+	am_sender = 0;
+	if (snprintf(path, sizeof path, "%s/absolute-alias", cwd) >= (int)sizeof path) {
+		errs++;
+		return;
+	}
+	fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
+	if (fd >= 0 || errno != ELOOP) {
+		fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [daemon absolute ancestor]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
+		if (fd >= 0)
+			close(fd);
+		errs++;
+	}
+#endif
+}
+
 int main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	if (argc != 2) {
@@ -224,6 +281,7 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv)
 	 * literal '..'.  Its dedicated fd-anchored entry point must preserve an
 	 * in-tree climb while refusing to pop above the anchor. */
 	check_beneath_dotdot();
+	check_sender_absolute_ancestor();
 
 	if (errs)
 		fprintf(stderr, "\n%d failure(s)\n", errs);
diff --git a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8c4907f51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Absolute --relative sources with a trusted-owned ancestor symlink."""
+
+import os
+import pwd
+import subprocess
+
+from rsyncfns import SCRATCHDIR, rsync_argv, test_fail
+
+real = SCRATCHDIR / 'real'
+source = real / 'My_Documents'
+source.mkdir(parents=True)
+(source / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
+link = SCRATCHDIR / 'home'
+os.symlink(str(real), link)
+
+for index, options in enumerate((('-a',), ('-aR',), ('-aR', '--no-inc-recursive'))):
+    for trailing in ('', '/'):
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / f'dest-{index}-{bool(trailing)}'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv(*options, str(link / 'My_Documents') + trailing, str(dest) + '/'),
+            capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        if proc.returncode:
+            test_fail(f'trusted ancestor transfer failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+        if '-aR' in options:
+            expected = dest / str(link / 'My_Documents').lstrip('/') / 'marker'
+        else:
+            expected = dest / ('' if trailing else 'My_Documents') / 'marker'
+        if not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
+            test_fail('relative source layout or contents changed')
+
+dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'remove-dest'
+dest.mkdir()
+proc = subprocess.run(
+    rsync_argv('-aR', '--remove-source-files', str(link / 'My_Documents') + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+    capture_output=True, text=True,
+)
+expected = dest / str(link / 'My_Documents').lstrip('/') / 'marker'
+if proc.returncode or (source / 'marker').exists() or not expected.is_file():
+    test_fail(f'remove-source-files failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+(source / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
+
+if os.geteuid() == 0:
+    attacker = next((entry.pw_uid for entry in pwd.getpwall() if entry.pw_uid != 0), None)
+    if attacker is not None:
+        os.lchown(link, attacker, -1)
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'untrusted-dest'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv('-aR', str(link / 'My_Documents') + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+            capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        if proc.returncode == 0 or any(dest.rglob('marker')):
+            test_fail('an untrusted ancestor symlink was followed')

From 918ff435188c4700604b3f368c8ee1fcdd723143 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:22:46 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 2/7] testsuite: accept BSD symlink errors

---
 t_secure_relpath.c | 6 +++++-
 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/t_secure_relpath.c b/t_secure_relpath.c
index 74e578614..11c705980 100644
--- a/t_secure_relpath.c
+++ b/t_secure_relpath.c
@@ -207,7 +207,11 @@ static void check_sender_absolute_ancestor(void)
 		errs++;
 	} else {
 		fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY, 0);
-		if (fd >= 0 || errno != ELOOP) {
+		if (fd >= 0 || (errno != ELOOP && errno != EMLINK
+#ifdef EFTYPE
+		 && errno != EFTYPE
+#endif
+		)) {
 			fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [absolute sender leaf]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
 			if (fd >= 0)
 				close(fd);

From d0a5ab7fc636c7e155dd986ad9821ef883749c0e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:06:25 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 3/7] syscall: anchor sender paths at explicit source roots

---
 flist.c                                    | 121 ++++++++++++++++++++-
 sender.c                                   |   7 +-
 syscall.c                                  |  25 -----
 t_secure_relpath.c                         |  63 -----------
 testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py | 105 +++++++++++++-----
 5 files changed, 202 insertions(+), 119 deletions(-)

diff --git a/flist.c b/flist.c
index 9276c65fc..9b2b17494 100644
--- a/flist.c
+++ b/flist.c
@@ -230,6 +230,117 @@ static int scan_dirfd = -1;
 static const char *scan_dir_prefix;
 static int scan_dir_prefix_len;
 
+struct sender_source_root {
+	struct sender_source_root *next;
+	dev_t dev;
+	ino_t ino;
+	char path[1];
+};
+
+static struct sender_source_root *sender_source_roots;
+
+static int sender_source_full_path(const char *path, char *full, size_t full_size)
+{
+	size_t len;
+
+	if (*path == '/')
+		len = strlcpy(full, path, full_size);
+	else
+		len = pathjoin(full, full_size, curr_dir, path);
+	if (len >= full_size) {
+		errno = ENAMETOOLONG;
+		return -1;
+	}
+	clean_fname(full, CFN_COLLAPSE_DOT_DOT_DIRS | CFN_DROP_TRAILING_DOT_DIR);
+	return 0;
+}
+
+static void remember_sender_source_root(const char *path, const STRUCT_STAT *st)
+{
+	struct sender_source_root *root;
+	char full[MAXPATHLEN];
+	size_t len;
+
+	if (sender_source_full_path(path, full, sizeof full) < 0)
+		overflow_exit("remember_sender_source_root");
+	len = strlen(full);
+
+	for (root = sender_source_roots; root; root = root->next) {
+		if (strcmp(root->path, full) == 0)
+			return;
+	}
+	root = (struct sender_source_root *)new_array(char, sizeof *root + len);
+	root->next = sender_source_roots;
+	root->dev = st->st_dev;
+	root->ino = st->st_ino;
+	memcpy(root->path, full, len + 1);
+	sender_source_roots = root;
+}
+
+int open_sender_source_path(const char *path, int flags, int *matched)
+{
+#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
+	struct sender_source_root *root, *best = NULL;
+	STRUCT_STAT st;
+	char full[MAXPATHLEN], *rel;
+	size_t best_len = 0;
+	int rootfd, fd, saved_errno;
+
+	*matched = 0;
+	if (!sender_source_roots)
+		return -1;
+	if (sender_source_full_path(path, full, sizeof full) < 0)
+		return -1;
+	for (root = sender_source_roots; root; root = root->next) {
+		size_t len = strlen(root->path);
+		if (len > best_len && strncmp(full, root->path, len) == 0
+		 && (root->path[len-1] == '/' || full[len] == '\0' || full[len] == '/')) {
+			best = root;
+			best_len = len;
+		}
+	}
+	if (!best)
+		return -1;
+
+	*matched = 1;
+	rootfd = open(best->path, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY);
+	if (rootfd < 0)
+		return -1;
+	if (do_fstat(rootfd, &st) < 0)
+		saved_errno = errno;
+	else if (st.st_dev != best->dev || st.st_ino != best->ino)
+		saved_errno = ELOOP;
+	else
+		saved_errno = 0;
+	if (saved_errno) {
+		close(rootfd);
+		errno = saved_errno;
+		return -1;
+	}
+	rel = full + best_len;
+	while (*rel == '/')
+		rel++;
+	fd = secure_relative_open_at(rootfd, *rel ? rel : ".", flags, 0);
+	saved_errno = errno;
+	close(rootfd);
+	errno = saved_errno;
+	return fd;
+#else
+	*matched = 0;
+	errno = ENOSYS;
+	return -1;
+#endif
+}
+
+void clear_sender_source_roots(void)
+{
+	while (sender_source_roots) {
+		struct sender_source_root *root = sender_source_roots;
+		sender_source_roots = root->next;
+		free(root);
+	}
+}
+
 static int scan_link_stat(const char *path, STRUCT_STAT *stp, int follow_dirlinks)
 {
 	/* Use the held scan fd only for a single component directly inside the
@@ -2028,10 +2139,14 @@ static void interpret_stat_error(const char *fname, int is_dir)
  * Returns NULL with errno set on failure, like opendir(). */
 static DIR *secure_opendir(const char *fbuf)
 {
-	int dfd, fl;
+	int dfd, fl, matched;
 	DIR *d;
 
-	if (am_daemon && (!am_chrooted || module_dirlen)
+	if (!am_daemon && am_sender
+	 && (dfd = open_sender_source_path(fbuf, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, &matched), matched)) {
+		/* The command-line directory is the operator-selected transfer root.
+		 * Follow that root, then keep every recursive scan beneath its held fd. */
+	} else if (am_daemon && (!am_chrooted || module_dirlen)
 	 && module_dir && module_dir[0] == '/' && *fbuf != '/' && module_dirfd >= 0
 	 && curr_dir_len >= module_dirlen
 	 && strncmp(curr_dir, module_dir, module_dirlen) == 0
@@ -2724,6 +2839,8 @@ struct file_list *send_file_list(int f, int argc, char *argv[])
 			rprintf(FINFO, "skipping directory %s\n", fbuf);
 			continue;
 		}
+		if (!am_daemon && !use_ff_fd && S_ISDIR(st.st_mode))
+			remember_sender_source_root(fbuf, &st);
 
 		if (inc_recurse && relative_paths && *fbuf) {
 			if ((p = strchr(fbuf+1, '/')) != NULL) {
diff --git a/sender.c b/sender.c
index ba40b9468..4890e30b2 100644
--- a/sender.c
+++ b/sender.c
@@ -680,6 +680,7 @@ void send_files(int f_in, int f_out)
 			else
 				fd = sender_open_confined(module_dir, relp, O_RDONLY);
 		} else if (!copy_links && !copy_unsafe_links && !copy_dirlinks && !insecure_links) {
+			int matched;
 			/* Default symlink handling (no dir-link following): the scan
 			 * recorded this as a regular file.  Open it confined beneath the
 			 * transfer root: an in-tree symlinked parent (e.g. -R keeps one in
@@ -688,7 +689,10 @@ void send_files(int f_in, int f_out)
 			 * governs the leaf so a raced leaf symlink is refused.  A
 			 * symlink-following mode (-L/--copy-unsafe-links/-k) or
 			 * --insecure-links keeps the legacy open below. */
-			if (fname[0] == '/') {
+			fd = open_sender_source_path(fname, O_RDONLY | O_NOFOLLOW, &matched);
+			if (matched) {
+				/* The explicit source directory is the trust root. */
+			} else if (fname[0] == '/') {
 				/* --relative (or a --files-from absolute name) keeps the
 				 * full absolute path as fname; the transfer root is then "/",
 				 * so anchor the confined open there and strip the leading
@@ -809,6 +813,7 @@ void send_files(int f_in, int f_out)
 	if (DEBUG_GTE(SEND, 1))
 		rprintf(FINFO, "send files finished\n");
 
+	clear_sender_source_roots();
 	match_report();
 
 	write_ndx(f_out, NDX_DONE);
diff --git a/syscall.c b/syscall.c
index d061c7326..81e12f906 100644
--- a/syscall.c
+++ b/syscall.c
@@ -3246,31 +3246,6 @@ int secure_relative_open(const char *basedir, const char *relpath, int flags, mo
 		flags |= O_NOATIME;
 #endif
 
-#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
-	if (!am_daemon && am_sender && basedir && strcmp(basedir, "/") == 0 && *relpath) {
-		/* Absolute sender names retain their ancestors with --relative.  Follow
-		 * trusted-owned ancestor symlinks, not a RESOLVE_BENEATH walk that rejects
-		 * /mnt/home -> /initrd/mnt/dev_save.  Daemon and cwd anchors stay confined. */
-		char fullpath[MAXPATHLEN];
-		const char *bname;
-		int dfd, fd, saved_errno;
-		if (snprintf(fullpath, sizeof fullpath, "/%s", relpath) >= (int)sizeof fullpath) {
-			errno = ENAMETOOLONG;
-			return -1;
-		}
-		if (flags & O_DIRECTORY)
-			return open_no_attacker_symlinks(fullpath, flags, mode);
-		dfd = owner_walk_parent(fullpath, &bname);
-		if (dfd < 0)
-			return -1;
-		fd = openat(dfd, bname, flags | O_NOFOLLOW, mode);
-		saved_errno = errno;
-		close(dfd);
-		errno = saved_errno;
-		return fd;
-	}
-#endif
-
 #if !defined(O_NOFOLLOW) || !defined(O_DIRECTORY) || !defined(AT_FDCWD)
 	// really old system, all we can do is live with the risks
 	if (!basedir) {
diff --git a/t_secure_relpath.c b/t_secure_relpath.c
index 11c705980..184acef67 100644
--- a/t_secure_relpath.c
+++ b/t_secure_relpath.c
@@ -173,67 +173,6 @@ static void check_beneath_dotdot(void)
 	close(anchor);
 }
 
-static void check_sender_absolute_ancestor(void)
-{
-#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
-	char cwd[MAXPATHLEN], target[MAXPATHLEN], path[MAXPATHLEN];
-	int fd;
-	if (!getcwd(cwd, sizeof cwd)
-	 || snprintf(target, sizeof target, "%s/subdir", cwd) >= (int)sizeof target
-	 || snprintf(path, sizeof path, "%s/absolute-alias", cwd) >= (int)sizeof path
-	 || symlink(target, "absolute-alias") < 0) {
-		perror("absolute ancestor fixture");
-		errs++;
-		return;
-	}
-	am_daemon = 0;
-	am_sender = 1;
-	fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
-	if (fd < 0) {
-		perror("trusted absolute sender ancestor");
-		errs++;
-	} else
-		close(fd);
-	fd = secure_relative_open(NULL, "absolute-alias", O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
-	if (fd >= 0 || errno != ELOOP) {
-		fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [cwd sender ancestor]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
-		if (fd >= 0)
-			close(fd);
-		errs++;
-	}
-	if (symlink("missing", "subdir/leaf-link") < 0
-	 || snprintf(path, sizeof path, "%s/absolute-alias/leaf-link", cwd) >= (int)sizeof path) {
-		perror("sender leaf fixture");
-		errs++;
-	} else {
-		fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY, 0);
-		if (fd >= 0 || (errno != ELOOP && errno != EMLINK
-#ifdef EFTYPE
-		 && errno != EFTYPE
-#endif
-		)) {
-			fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [absolute sender leaf]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
-			if (fd >= 0)
-				close(fd);
-			errs++;
-		}
-	}
-	am_daemon = 1;
-	am_sender = 0;
-	if (snprintf(path, sizeof path, "%s/absolute-alias", cwd) >= (int)sizeof path) {
-		errs++;
-		return;
-	}
-	fd = secure_relative_open("/", path + 1, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
-	if (fd >= 0 || errno != ELOOP) {
-		fprintf(stderr, "FAIL [daemon absolute ancestor]: rc=%d errno=%d\n", fd, errno);
-		if (fd >= 0)
-			close(fd);
-		errs++;
-	}
-#endif
-}
-
 int main(int argc, char **argv)
 {
 	if (argc != 2) {
@@ -285,8 +224,6 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv)
 	 * literal '..'.  Its dedicated fd-anchored entry point must preserve an
 	 * in-tree climb while refusing to pop above the anchor. */
 	check_beneath_dotdot();
-	check_sender_absolute_ancestor();
-
 	if (errs)
 		fprintf(stderr, "\n%d failure(s)\n", errs);
 	return errs ? 1 : 0;
diff --git a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
index 8c4907f51..1bcc1baf7 100644
--- a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
+++ b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
-"""Absolute --relative sources with a trusted-owned ancestor symlink."""
+"""Explicit source directory symlinks remain transfer roots."""
 
 import os
 import pwd
@@ -11,46 +11,95 @@
 source = real / 'My_Documents'
 source.mkdir(parents=True)
 (source / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
-link = SCRATCHDIR / 'home'
-os.symlink(str(real), link)
+absolute_link = SCRATCHDIR / 'home'
+relative_link = SCRATCHDIR / 'relative-home'
+os.symlink(str(real), absolute_link)
+os.symlink(str(real), relative_link)
 
-for index, options in enumerate((('-a',), ('-aR',), ('-aR', '--no-inc-recursive'))):
-    for trailing in ('', '/'):
-        dest = SCRATCHDIR / f'dest-{index}-{bool(trailing)}'
+cases = (
+    (('-r',), False),
+    (('-rR',), True),
+    (('-rR', '--no-inc-recursive'), True),
+)
+
+for link_name, link, cwd in (
+    ('absolute', absolute_link, None),
+    ('relative', relative_link, SCRATCHDIR),
+):
+    source_arg = (str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/./home/My_Documents/' if cwd is None
+                  else 'relative-home/My_Documents/')
+    for index, (options, relative) in enumerate(cases):
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / f'dest-{link_name}-descendant-{index}'
         dest.mkdir()
         proc = subprocess.run(
-            rsync_argv(*options, str(link / 'My_Documents') + trailing, str(dest) + '/'),
-            capture_output=True, text=True,
+            rsync_argv(*options, source_arg, str(dest) + '/'),
+            cwd=cwd, capture_output=True, text=True,
         )
         if proc.returncode:
-            test_fail(f'trusted ancestor transfer failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
-        if '-aR' in options:
-            expected = dest / str(link / 'My_Documents').lstrip('/') / 'marker'
-        else:
-            expected = dest / ('' if trailing else 'My_Documents') / 'marker'
+            test_fail(f'{link_name} descendant source transfer with {options} '
+                      f'failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+        expected = (dest / link.name / 'My_Documents' / 'marker' if relative
+                    else dest / 'marker')
         if not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
             test_fail('relative source layout or contents changed')
 
+root_real = SCRATCHDIR / 'root-real'
+root_real.mkdir()
+(root_real / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
+absolute_root_link = SCRATCHDIR / 'root-home'
+relative_root_link = SCRATCHDIR / 'relative-root-home'
+os.symlink(str(root_real), absolute_root_link)
+os.symlink(str(root_real), relative_root_link)
+
+for link_name, link, cwd in (
+    ('absolute', absolute_root_link, None),
+    ('relative', relative_root_link, SCRATCHDIR),
+):
+    source_arg = (str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/./root-home/' if cwd is None
+                  else 'relative-root-home/')
+    for index, (options, relative) in enumerate(cases):
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / f'dest-{link_name}-root-{index}'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv(*options, source_arg, str(dest) + '/'),
+            cwd=cwd, capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        if proc.returncode:
+            test_fail(f'{link_name} root source transfer with {options} failed: '
+                      f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+        expected = dest / link.name / 'marker' if relative else dest / 'marker'
+        if not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
+            test_fail('explicit source-root layout or contents changed')
+
+if os.geteuid() == 0:
+    untrusted_uid = next((entry.pw_uid for entry in pwd.getpwall()
+                          if entry.pw_uid != 0), None)
+    if untrusted_uid is not None:
+        untrusted_link = SCRATCHDIR / 'untrusted-home'
+        os.symlink(str(real), untrusted_link)
+        os.lchown(untrusted_link, untrusted_uid, -1)
+        source_arg = str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/./untrusted-home/'
+        for index, (options, relative) in enumerate(cases[:2]):
+            dest = SCRATCHDIR / f'untrusted-dest-{index}'
+            dest.mkdir()
+            proc = subprocess.run(
+                rsync_argv(*options, source_arg, str(dest) + '/'),
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            expected = dest / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+            if relative:
+                expected = dest / 'untrusted-home' / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+            if proc.returncode or not expected.is_file():
+                test_fail(f'explicit untrusted-owned source link with {options} '
+                          f'failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+
 dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'remove-dest'
 dest.mkdir()
 proc = subprocess.run(
-    rsync_argv('-aR', '--remove-source-files', str(link / 'My_Documents') + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+    rsync_argv('-r', '--remove-source-files', str(absolute_link / 'My_Documents') + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
     capture_output=True, text=True,
 )
-expected = dest / str(link / 'My_Documents').lstrip('/') / 'marker'
+expected = dest / 'marker'
 if proc.returncode or (source / 'marker').exists() or not expected.is_file():
     test_fail(f'remove-source-files failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
 (source / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
-
-if os.geteuid() == 0:
-    attacker = next((entry.pw_uid for entry in pwd.getpwall() if entry.pw_uid != 0), None)
-    if attacker is not None:
-        os.lchown(link, attacker, -1)
-        dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'untrusted-dest'
-        dest.mkdir()
-        proc = subprocess.run(
-            rsync_argv('-aR', str(link / 'My_Documents') + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
-            capture_output=True, text=True,
-        )
-        if proc.returncode == 0 or any(dest.rglob('marker')):
-            test_fail('an untrusted ancestor symlink was followed')

From 0286b781a28053db43e88e08db8fb6c0114fc1b5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:03:49 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 4/7] flist: pin explicit file source parents

---
 flist.c                                    | 29 ++++++++++++++++++--
 testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py | 32 ++++++++++++++++++++++
 2 files changed, 59 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/flist.c b/flist.c
index 9b2b17494..c33e05baa 100644
--- a/flist.c
+++ b/flist.c
@@ -277,6 +277,30 @@ static void remember_sender_source_root(const char *path, const STRUCT_STAT *st)
 	sender_source_roots = root;
 }
 
+static void remember_sender_source_arg(const char *path, const STRUCT_STAT *st)
+{
+	STRUCT_STAT parent_st;
+	char full[MAXPATHLEN], *slash;
+
+	if (S_ISDIR(st->st_mode)) {
+		remember_sender_source_root(path, st);
+		return;
+	}
+	if (sender_source_full_path(path, full, sizeof full) < 0)
+		overflow_exit("remember_sender_source_arg");
+	slash = strrchr(full, '/');
+	if (!slash)
+		return;
+	if (slash == full)
+		slash[1] = '\0';
+	else
+		*slash = '\0';
+	/* The operator selected this parent as part of the source argument. Pin
+	 * its resolved identity while the file leaf remains O_NOFOLLOW later. */
+	if (do_stat(full, &parent_st) == 0 && S_ISDIR(parent_st.st_mode))
+		remember_sender_source_root(full, &parent_st);
+}
+
 int open_sender_source_path(const char *path, int flags, int *matched)
 {
 #if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
@@ -2839,8 +2863,9 @@ struct file_list *send_file_list(int f, int argc, char *argv[])
 			rprintf(FINFO, "skipping directory %s\n", fbuf);
 			continue;
 		}
-		if (!am_daemon && !use_ff_fd && S_ISDIR(st.st_mode))
-			remember_sender_source_root(fbuf, &st);
+		if (!am_daemon && !use_ff_fd && st.st_mode != 0
+		 && (relative_paths || S_ISDIR(st.st_mode)))
+			remember_sender_source_arg(fbuf, &st);
 
 		if (inc_recurse && relative_paths && *fbuf) {
 			if ((p = strchr(fbuf+1, '/')) != NULL) {
diff --git a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
index 1bcc1baf7..18ffbf972 100644
--- a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
+++ b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
@@ -43,6 +43,26 @@
         if not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
             test_fail('relative source layout or contents changed')
 
+file_sources = (
+    ('absolute-file', str(absolute_link / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'), None),
+    ('relative-file', 'relative-home/My_Documents/marker', SCRATCHDIR),
+)
+for name, source_arg, cwd in file_sources:
+    dest = SCRATCHDIR / f'dest-{name}'
+    dest.mkdir()
+    proc = subprocess.run(
+        rsync_argv('-R', source_arg, str(dest) + '/'),
+        cwd=cwd, capture_output=True, text=True,
+    )
+    if proc.returncode:
+        test_fail(f'{name} transfer failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+    if cwd is None:
+        expected = dest / str(absolute_link.relative_to('/')) / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+    else:
+        expected = dest / source_arg
+    if not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
+        test_fail(f'{name} layout or contents changed')
+
 root_real = SCRATCHDIR / 'root-real'
 root_real.mkdir()
 (root_real / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
@@ -93,6 +113,18 @@
                 test_fail(f'explicit untrusted-owned source link with {options} '
                           f'failed: {proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
 
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'untrusted-file-dest'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        source_arg = str(untrusted_link / 'My_Documents' / 'marker')
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv('-R', source_arg, str(dest) + '/'),
+            capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        expected = dest / str(untrusted_link.relative_to('/')) / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+        if proc.returncode or not expected.is_file():
+            test_fail(f'explicit untrusted-owned file path failed: '
+                      f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+
 dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'remove-dest'
 dest.mkdir()
 proc = subprocess.run(

From c9f8e21f473c85dd4b7a78664ae2dd485b49a2fe Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:09:53 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 5/7] flist: preserve search-only source traversal

---
 flist.c   | 2 +-
 syscall.c | 2 +-
 2 files changed, 2 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-)

diff --git a/flist.c b/flist.c
index c33e05baa..b8e56aa67 100644
--- a/flist.c
+++ b/flist.c
@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ int open_sender_source_path(const char *path, int flags, int *matched)
 		return -1;
 
 	*matched = 1;
-	rootfd = open(best->path, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY);
+	rootfd = open_anchor_dirfd(best->path);
 	if (rootfd < 0)
 		return -1;
 	if (do_fstat(rootfd, &st) < 0)
diff --git a/syscall.c b/syscall.c
index 81e12f906..d4fb642aa 100644
--- a/syscall.c
+++ b/syscall.c
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ static int directory_traverse_flags(void)
  * and EACCESes when the module sits under a non-traversable parent (a 0700 home).
  * Functionally identical (same inode), just privilege-drop-safe.  Gated like its
  * callers (the secure resolver and dpc_dir_fd both require these three). */
-static int open_anchor_dirfd(const char *path)
+int open_anchor_dirfd(const char *path)
 {
 	if (module_dirfd >= 0 && am_daemon && module_dir && strcmp(path, module_dir) == 0)
 		return dup(module_dirfd);

From e7a401405497d1fd352852fbf68a58319f58361f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:10:39 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 6/7] sender: follow trusted files-from ancestors

---
 sender.c                                   | 60 ++++++++++++++++------
 testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py | 26 ++++++++++
 2 files changed, 71 insertions(+), 15 deletions(-)

diff --git a/sender.c b/sender.c
index 4890e30b2..d10fb9371 100644
--- a/sender.c
+++ b/sender.c
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ extern char *module_dir;
 extern int module_dirfd;
 extern int write_batch;
 extern int file_old_total;
+extern char *files_from;
 extern BOOL want_progress_now;
 extern struct stats stats;
 extern struct file_list *cur_flist, *first_flist, *dir_flist;
@@ -247,6 +248,34 @@ static int sender_open_confined(const char *anchor, const char *relpath, int fla
 #endif
 }
 
+/* A --files-from entry is not itself operator authority, but its source base is.
+ * Follow only trusted-owned ancestor symlinks and keep the file leaf nofollow. */
+static int sender_open_filesfrom(const char *path, int flags)
+{
+#ifdef AT_FDCWD
+	const char *bname;
+	int dfd, fd, save_errno;
+
+#ifdef O_NOATIME
+	if (open_noatime)
+		flags |= O_NOATIME;
+#endif
+	dfd = owner_walk_parent(path, &bname);
+	if (dfd < 0)
+		return -1;
+	fd = openat(dfd, bname, flags | O_NOFOLLOW, 0);
+	save_errno = fd < 0 ? errno : 0;
+	close(dfd);
+	errno = save_errno;
+	return fd;
+#else
+#ifdef O_NOFOLLOW
+	flags |= O_NOFOLLOW;
+#endif
+	return open_no_attacker_symlinks(path, flags, 0);
+#endif
+}
+
 /* Open the content of `relpath` for a symlink-following transfer mode (-L /
  * --copy-unsafe-links / -k) while staying confined beneath `anchor`.  The leaf
  * O_NOFOLLOW that sender_open_confined() applies refuses an in-tree symlink the
@@ -689,21 +718,22 @@ void send_files(int f_in, int f_out)
 			 * governs the leaf so a raced leaf symlink is refused.  A
 			 * symlink-following mode (-L/--copy-unsafe-links/-k) or
 			 * --insecure-links keeps the legacy open below. */
-			fd = open_sender_source_path(fname, O_RDONLY | O_NOFOLLOW, &matched);
-			if (matched) {
-				/* The explicit source directory is the trust root. */
-			} else if (fname[0] == '/') {
-				/* --relative (or a --files-from absolute name) keeps the
-				 * full absolute path as fname; the transfer root is then "/",
-				 * so anchor the confined open there and strip the leading
-				 * slash to the module-relative path the resolver wants -- it
-				 * rejects an absolute relpath outright. */
-				const char *relp = fname;
-				while (*relp == '/')
-					relp++;
-				fd = sender_open_confined("/", relp, O_RDONLY);
-			} else
-				fd = sender_open_confined(NULL, fname, O_RDONLY);
+			if (files_from) {
+				fd = sender_open_filesfrom(fname, O_RDONLY);
+			} else {
+				fd = open_sender_source_path(fname, O_RDONLY | O_NOFOLLOW, &matched);
+				if (!matched) {
+					if (fname[0] == '/') {
+						/* --relative keeps the full absolute path as fname;
+						 * anchor at "/" and pass the resolver a relative path. */
+						const char *relp = fname;
+						while (*relp == '/')
+							relp++;
+						fd = sender_open_confined("/", relp, O_RDONLY);
+					} else
+						fd = sender_open_confined(NULL, fname, O_RDONLY);
+				}
+			}
 		} else {
 			fd = do_open_checklinks(fname);
 		}
diff --git a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
index 18ffbf972..5c4eac6e0 100644
--- a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
+++ b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
@@ -63,6 +63,20 @@
     if not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
         test_fail(f'{name} layout or contents changed')
 
+files_from = SCRATCHDIR / 'files-from'
+files_from.write_text('relative-home/My_Documents/marker\n')
+dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'dest-files-from'
+dest.mkdir()
+proc = subprocess.run(
+    rsync_argv('-r', f'--files-from={files_from}',
+               str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+    capture_output=True, text=True,
+)
+expected = dest / 'relative-home' / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+if proc.returncode or not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
+    test_fail(f'files-from trusted ancestor transfer failed: '
+              f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+
 root_real = SCRATCHDIR / 'root-real'
 root_real.mkdir()
 (root_real / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
@@ -125,6 +139,18 @@
             test_fail(f'explicit untrusted-owned file path failed: '
                       f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
 
+        files_from.write_text('untrusted-home/My_Documents/marker\n')
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'untrusted-files-from-dest'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv('-r', f'--files-from={files_from}',
+                       str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+            capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        escaped = dest / 'untrusted-home' / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+        if proc.returncode == 0 or escaped.exists():
+            test_fail('files-from followed an untrusted-owned ancestor symlink')
+
 dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'remove-dest'
 dest.mkdir()
 proc = subprocess.run(

From 4f6d572e5ab749c6ba3e770183734ef32be5558d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Zen Dodd <mail@steadytao.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:36:56 +1000
Subject: [PATCH 7/7] sender: enforce files-from symlink ownership

---
 flist.c                                    | 70 ++++++++++++++++++++--
 sender.c                                   | 42 ++-----------
 syscall.c                                  | 18 ++++++
 t_stub.c                                   |  2 +
 testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py | 37 ++++++++++++
 5 files changed, 127 insertions(+), 42 deletions(-)

diff --git a/flist.c b/flist.c
index b8e56aa67..2c81d3d45 100644
--- a/flist.c
+++ b/flist.c
@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ extern int recurse;
 extern int use_qsort;
 extern int xfer_dirs;
 extern int filesfrom_fd;
+extern char *files_from;
 extern int one_file_system;
 extern int copy_devices;
 extern int copy_dirlinks;
@@ -365,6 +366,54 @@ void clear_sender_source_roots(void)
 	}
 }
 
+static int filesfrom_owner_walk_active(void)
+{
+	return !am_daemon && am_sender && files_from
+	    && !copy_links && !copy_unsafe_links && !copy_dirlinks && !insecure_links;
+}
+
+static int filesfrom_link_stat(const char *path, STRUCT_STAT *stp, int follow_dirlinks)
+{
+#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
+	const char *bname;
+	int dfd, ret, save_errno;
+
+	dfd = owner_walk_parent(path, &bname);
+	if (dfd < 0)
+		return -1;
+	if (am_root < 0) {
+		close(dfd);
+		return link_stat(path, stp, follow_dirlinks);
+	}
+	ret = link_stat_at(dfd, bname, stp, follow_dirlinks);
+	save_errno = ret < 0 ? errno : 0;
+	close(dfd);
+	errno = save_errno;
+	return ret;
+#else
+	return link_stat(path, stp, follow_dirlinks);
+#endif
+}
+
+static int filesfrom_readlink(const char *path, char *linkbuf, size_t bufsiz)
+{
+#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
+	const char *bname;
+	int dfd, ret, save_errno;
+
+	dfd = owner_walk_parent(path, &bname);
+	if (dfd < 0)
+		return -1;
+	ret = do_readlink_atfd(dfd, bname, linkbuf, bufsiz);
+	save_errno = ret < 0 ? errno : 0;
+	close(dfd);
+	errno = save_errno;
+	return ret;
+#else
+	return do_readlink(path, linkbuf, bufsiz);
+#endif
+}
+
 static int scan_link_stat(const char *path, STRUCT_STAT *stp, int follow_dirlinks)
 {
 	/* Use the held scan fd only for a single component directly inside the
@@ -376,6 +425,8 @@ static int scan_link_stat(const char *path, STRUCT_STAT *stp, int follow_dirlink
 	 && path[scan_dir_prefix_len] == '/'
 	 && strchr(path + scan_dir_prefix_len + 1, '/') == NULL)
 		return link_stat_at(scan_dirfd, path + scan_dir_prefix_len + 1, stp, follow_dirlinks);
+	if (filesfrom_owner_walk_active())
+		return filesfrom_link_stat(path, stp, follow_dirlinks);
 	return link_stat(path, stp, follow_dirlinks);
 }
 
@@ -386,6 +437,8 @@ static int scan_readlink(const char *path, char *linkbuf, size_t bufsiz)
 	 && path[scan_dir_prefix_len] == '/'
 	 && strchr(path + scan_dir_prefix_len + 1, '/') == NULL)
 		return do_readlink_atfd(scan_dirfd, path + scan_dir_prefix_len + 1, linkbuf, bufsiz);
+	if (filesfrom_owner_walk_active())
+		return filesfrom_readlink(path, linkbuf, bufsiz);
 	return do_readlink(path, linkbuf, bufsiz);
 }
 
@@ -2149,7 +2202,7 @@ static void interpret_stat_error(const char *fname, int is_dir)
 }
 
 #if defined HAVE_FDOPENDIR && defined HAVE_DIRFD
-/* Open a source directory for scanning confined beneath the transfer root.
+/* Open a source directory for scanning under the applicable source authority.
  * secure_relative_open() does a per-component O_NOFOLLOW walk that refuses a
  * parent component raced into a symlink pointing out of the tree; fdopendir()
  * then turns the held fd into the DIR* the scan reads.  This mirrors the
@@ -2160,13 +2213,20 @@ static void interpret_stat_error(const char *fname, int is_dir)
  * O_NOFOLLOW makes secure_relative_open() follow in-tree directory symlinks
  * beneath the anchor and refuse escapes, so this serves both the default
  * no-follow scan and a daemon's symlink-following scan (see the caller).
+ * Files-from entries instead use the ownership walk: their source base is
+ * operator-selected, but each list entry may not be, so only trusted-owned
+ * symlinks are followed and a trusted link may retain its legacy target.
  * Returns NULL with errno set on failure, like opendir(). */
 static DIR *secure_opendir(const char *fbuf)
 {
 	int dfd, fl, matched;
 	DIR *d;
 
-	if (!am_daemon && am_sender
+	if (filesfrom_owner_walk_active()) {
+		/* The source base is operator-selected, while each list entry may not
+		 * be. Follow only trusted-owned symlinks while opening the directory. */
+		dfd = open_no_attacker_symlinks(fbuf, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, 0);
+	} else if (!am_daemon && am_sender
 	 && (dfd = open_sender_source_path(fbuf, O_RDONLY | O_DIRECTORY, &matched), matched)) {
 		/* The command-line directory is the operator-selected transfer root.
 		 * Follow that root, then keep every recursive scan beneath its held fd. */
@@ -2472,7 +2532,7 @@ static void send1extra(int f, struct file_struct *file, struct file_list *flist)
 	if (file->flags & FLAG_CONTENT_DIR) {
 		if (one_file_system) {
 			STRUCT_STAT st;
-			if (link_stat(fbuf, &st, copy_dirlinks) != 0) {
+			if (scan_link_stat(fbuf, &st, copy_dirlinks) != 0) {
 				interpret_stat_error(fbuf, True);
 				return;
 			}
@@ -2508,7 +2568,7 @@ static void send1extra(int f, struct file_struct *file, struct file_list *flist)
 		if (name_type != NORMAL_NAME) {
 			STRUCT_STAT st = {0};
 
-			if (name_type != MISSING_NAME && link_stat(fbuf, &st, 1) != 0) {
+			if (name_type != MISSING_NAME && scan_link_stat(fbuf, &st, 1) != 0) {
 				interpret_stat_error(fbuf, True);
 				continue;
 			}
@@ -2833,7 +2893,7 @@ struct file_list *send_file_list(int f, int argc, char *argv[])
 		if (fn != fbuf)
 			memmove(fbuf, fn, len + 1);
 
-		if (link_stat(fbuf, &st, copy_dirlinks || name_type != NORMAL_NAME) != 0
+		if (scan_link_stat(fbuf, &st, copy_dirlinks || name_type != NORMAL_NAME) != 0
 		 || (name_type != DOTDIR_NAME && is_excluded(fbuf, S_ISDIR(st.st_mode) != 0, SERVER_FILTERS))
 		 || (relative_paths && path_is_daemon_excluded(fbuf, 1))) {
 			if (errno != ENOENT || missing_args == 0) {
diff --git a/sender.c b/sender.c
index d10fb9371..88d7b7c30 100644
--- a/sender.c
+++ b/sender.c
@@ -248,34 +248,6 @@ static int sender_open_confined(const char *anchor, const char *relpath, int fla
 #endif
 }
 
-/* A --files-from entry is not itself operator authority, but its source base is.
- * Follow only trusted-owned ancestor symlinks and keep the file leaf nofollow. */
-static int sender_open_filesfrom(const char *path, int flags)
-{
-#ifdef AT_FDCWD
-	const char *bname;
-	int dfd, fd, save_errno;
-
-#ifdef O_NOATIME
-	if (open_noatime)
-		flags |= O_NOATIME;
-#endif
-	dfd = owner_walk_parent(path, &bname);
-	if (dfd < 0)
-		return -1;
-	fd = openat(dfd, bname, flags | O_NOFOLLOW, 0);
-	save_errno = fd < 0 ? errno : 0;
-	close(dfd);
-	errno = save_errno;
-	return fd;
-#else
-#ifdef O_NOFOLLOW
-	flags |= O_NOFOLLOW;
-#endif
-	return open_no_attacker_symlinks(path, flags, 0);
-#endif
-}
-
 /* Open the content of `relpath` for a symlink-following transfer mode (-L /
  * --copy-unsafe-links / -k) while staying confined beneath `anchor`.  The leaf
  * O_NOFOLLOW that sender_open_confined() applies refuses an in-tree symlink the
@@ -710,16 +682,12 @@ void send_files(int f_in, int f_out)
 				fd = sender_open_confined(module_dir, relp, O_RDONLY);
 		} else if (!copy_links && !copy_unsafe_links && !copy_dirlinks && !insecure_links) {
 			int matched;
-			/* Default symlink handling (no dir-link following): the scan
-			 * recorded this as a regular file.  Open it confined beneath the
-			 * transfer root: an in-tree symlinked parent (e.g. -R keeps one in
-			 * the path) is followed beneath the root, a parent raced into a
-			 * symlink pointing out of the tree is refused, and O_NOFOLLOW
-			 * governs the leaf so a raced leaf symlink is refused.  A
-			 * symlink-following mode (-L/--copy-unsafe-links/-k) or
-			 * --insecure-links keeps the legacy open below. */
+			/* A files-from entry follows only trusted-owned ancestors because
+			 * its source base is operator-selected but the entry itself may not
+			 * be. Other paths stay confined beneath their explicit transfer root.
+			 * Every file leaf remains O_NOFOLLOW. */
 			if (files_from) {
-				fd = sender_open_filesfrom(fname, O_RDONLY);
+				fd = do_open_checklinks(fname);
 			} else {
 				fd = open_sender_source_path(fname, O_RDONLY | O_NOFOLLOW, &matched);
 				if (!matched) {
diff --git a/syscall.c b/syscall.c
index d4fb642aa..421ae4b0f 100644
--- a/syscall.c
+++ b/syscall.c
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ extern int preserve_executability;
 extern int open_noatime;
 extern int copy_links;
 extern int copy_unsafe_links;
+extern int copy_dirlinks;
 extern int am_daemon;
 extern int am_chrooted;
 extern int insecure_links;
@@ -69,6 +70,7 @@ extern int module_id;
 extern unsigned int module_dirlen;
 extern char *module_dir;
 extern int module_dirfd;	/* daemon: served module root pinned by identity, or -1 */
+extern char *files_from;
 extern char *confine_root;	/* --confine-root, or NULL; see confinement_root() */
 extern unsigned int confine_rootlen;
 extern char curr_dir[MAXPATHLEN];	/* defined below; fwd-declared for the seed */
@@ -3545,6 +3547,22 @@ int do_open_checklinks(const char *pathname)
 	if (copy_links || copy_unsafe_links) {
 		return do_open(pathname, O_RDONLY, 0);
 	}
+#if defined AT_FDCWD && defined O_NOFOLLOW && defined O_DIRECTORY
+	if (am_sender && !am_daemon && files_from
+	 && !copy_dirlinks && !symlink_optout_allowed()) {
+		const char *bname;
+		int dfd, fd, save_errno;
+
+		dfd = owner_walk_parent(pathname, &bname);
+		if (dfd < 0)
+			return -1;
+		fd = openat(dfd, bname, O_RDONLY | O_NOFOLLOW, 0);
+		save_errno = fd < 0 ? errno : 0;
+		close(dfd);
+		errno = save_errno;
+		return fd;
+	}
+#endif
 	return do_open_nofollow(pathname, O_RDONLY);
 }
 
diff --git a/t_stub.c b/t_stub.c
index 1518c7932..c5a39bfab 100644
--- a/t_stub.c
+++ b/t_stub.c
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ int inplace = 0;
 int am_daemon = 0;
 int am_chrooted = 0;
 int insecure_links = 0;
+int copy_dirlinks = 0;
 int modify_window = 0;
 int preallocate_files = 0;
 int sparse_files = 0;
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ size_t max_alloc = (size_t)-1; /* test helpers are not memory-constrained;
 				* per-component fallback of secure_relative_open()
 				* hits at its first my_strdup() call. */
 char *partial_dir;
+char *files_from;
 char *module_dir;
 int module_dirfd = -1;
 char *confine_root;
diff --git a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
index 5c4eac6e0..38a697cb1 100644
--- a/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
+++ b/testsuite/relative-source-ancestor_test.py
@@ -77,6 +77,19 @@
     test_fail(f'files-from trusted ancestor transfer failed: '
               f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
 
+files_from.write_text('relative-home/My_Documents/\n')
+dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'dest-files-from-dir'
+dest.mkdir()
+proc = subprocess.run(
+    rsync_argv('-r', f'--files-from={files_from}',
+               str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+    capture_output=True, text=True,
+)
+expected = dest / 'relative-home' / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+if proc.returncode or not expected.is_file() or expected.read_text() != 'source contents\n':
+    test_fail(f'files-from trusted directory transfer failed: '
+              f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+
 root_real = SCRATCHDIR / 'root-real'
 root_real.mkdir()
 (root_real / 'marker').write_text('source contents\n')
@@ -151,6 +164,30 @@
         if proc.returncode == 0 or escaped.exists():
             test_fail('files-from followed an untrusted-owned ancestor symlink')
 
+        files_from.write_text('untrusted-home/My_Documents/\n')
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'untrusted-files-from-dir-dest'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv('-r', f'--files-from={files_from}',
+                       str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+            capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        escaped = dest / 'untrusted-home' / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+        if proc.returncode == 0 or escaped.exists():
+            test_fail('files-from enumerated an untrusted-owned ancestor symlink')
+
+        dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'insecure-files-from-dest'
+        dest.mkdir()
+        proc = subprocess.run(
+            rsync_argv('-r', '--insecure-links', f'--files-from={files_from}',
+                       str(SCRATCHDIR) + '/', str(dest) + '/'),
+            capture_output=True, text=True,
+        )
+        expected = dest / 'untrusted-home' / 'My_Documents' / 'marker'
+        if proc.returncode or not expected.is_file():
+            test_fail(f'files-from insecure-links opt-out failed: '
+                      f'{proc.stdout}{proc.stderr}')
+
 dest = SCRATCHDIR / 'remove-dest'
 dest.mkdir()
 proc = subprocess.run(