Linux kernel IPv6 AH routing header bug enables local privilege escalation
Original title: ZDI-26-834: Linux Kernel IPv6 AH Routing Header Integer Underflow Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
ZDI rates CVE-2026-80844 at CVSS 8.8; an attacker needs low-privileged code execution first.
ZDI published ZDI-26-834, an integer underflow in the Linux kernel IPv6 AH routing header that can let a local attacker escalate privileges. Exploitation requires the ability to run low-privileged code on the target. ZDI assigned CVSS 8.8 and CVE-2026-80844. Affected versions, a fix, and exploitation status are not stated.
Unconfirmed: Affected versions, a fix, and whether it is exploited are not stated.
- Tracked as CVE-2026-80844 and ZDI-26-834.
- ZDI assigned a CVSS rating of 8.8.
- The flaw is an integer underflow in IPv6 AH routing header handling.
- The attacker must already execute low-privileged code.
Impact: Local privilege escalation on the Linux kernel
| Product | Affected |
|---|---|
| Linux Kernel | — |
- CVEs
- CVE-2026-80844
- Products
- Linux Kernel
- Organizations
- Zero Day Initiative
Vulnerabilities mentioned
All| CVE | Vulnerability | CVSS | EPSS | Signals | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-80844 | Out-of-bounds memory access in Linux kernel AH6 (xfrm) enables local privilege escalation | — | <1% | PoC ×2 |
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 8.
zerodayinitiative.com
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