Linux kernel XFRM use-after-free allows local privilege escalation
Original title: ZDI-26-837: Linux Kernel XFRM Subsystem Use-After-Free Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
ZDI rates CVE-2026-98231 at CVSS 7.8; low-privileged local code execution is required first.
ZDI published ZDI-26-837, a use-after-free in the Linux kernel XFRM subsystem that lets a local attacker escalate privileges. The attacker must already be able to run low-privileged code. ZDI assigned CVSS 7.8 and CVE-2026-98231. Versions, a fix, and real-world exploitation are not mentioned.
Unconfirmed: Affected versions, a fix, and exploitation status are not stated.
- Tracked as CVE-2026-98231 and ZDI-26-837.
- ZDI assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8.
- The flaw is a use-after-free in the XFRM subsystem.
- The attacker needs low-privileged code execution first.
Impact: Local privilege escalation on the Linux kernel
| Product | Affected |
|---|---|
| Linux Kernel | — |
- CVEs
- CVE-2026-98231
- Products
- Linux Kernel
- Organizations
- Zero Day Initiative
Vulnerabilities mentioned
All| CVE | Vulnerability | CVSS | EPSS | Signals | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-98231 | Use-after-free in Linux kernel XFRM device state flush | — | — |
From the original article
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Linux Kernel. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.
zerodayinitiative.com
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