CVE-2026-46116

Description

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's xfrm (IPSec framework) subsystem. This vulnerability, a use-after-free, occurs when the system incorrectly manages memory related to security policies, specifically during the deletion of xfrm_state lists. An attacker with local access could exploit this flaw by triggering specific operations, leading to memory corruption. This could cause the system to become unstable, resulting in crashes or a Denial of Service (DoS), and potentially allow for unauthorized access to sensitive information or increased privileges.

Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details

Info alert:Important note

CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).

CVSS v3 Score Breakdown

Red HatNVDcve.org
Base Score7N/A7
Attack VectorLocalN/ALocal
Attack ComplexityHighN/AHigh
Privileges RequiredLowN/ALow
User InteractionNoneN/ANone
ScopeUnchangedN/AUnchanged
ConfidentialityHighN/AHigh
Integrity ImpactHighN/AHigh
Availability ImpactHighN/AHigh

Vector

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

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

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Integrity,Availability,Confidentiality

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands

This weakness may result in the corruption of memory, and perhaps instructions, possibly leading to a crash. If the corrupted memory can be effectively controlled, it may be possible to execute arbitrary code.

Frequently Asked Questions

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