CVE-2026-31788: Linux kernel · xen/privcmd: restrict usage in unprivileged domU
Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 8.2 High · fixed in 5.15.0-1112.119~20.04.1 : patch Linux kernel soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 17:16 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 8% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 5.15.0-1112.119~20.04.1, 5.15.0-1117.126~20.04.1, 5.15.0-1117.126~20.04.2 +63
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 25 Mar 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 25.10linuxpkg:deb/ubuntu/linux?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10linux-awspkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10linux-azurepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10linux-azure-fdepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-fde?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10linux-gcppkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gcp?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 25.10linux-oraclepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-oracle?arch=source&distro=questingOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A patch is available that restricts the Xen privcmd driver usage in unprivileged domU guests to only allow hypercalls targeting their specific domain, thus preserving secure boot protections. Users should apply the official Linux kernel updates that include this fix. The vendor advisory confirms the availability of this patch. No additional mitigation steps are required beyond applying the update.
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Xen privcmd driver allowed unprivileged domU guests to issue arbitrary hypercalls, potentially breaking secure boot by enabling root user processes to modify kernel memory. The issue was resolved by restricting the privcmd driver usage in unprivileged domU guests to only target their specific domain, preventing unauthorized hypercalls. This fix addresses the risk of privilege escalation and integrity compromise in virtualized environments using Xen. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions and has a CVSS score of 8.2, indicating high severity.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-31788 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-31788 (opens in a new tab)
- xenbits.xen.org/xsa/advisory-482.html (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/linus/453b8fb68f3641fea970db88b7d9a153ed2a37e8 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/linus/1613462be621ad5103ec338a7b0ca0746ec4e5f1 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/1879319d790f7d57622cdc22807b60ea78b56b6d (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/389bae9a4409934e8b8d4dbdaaf02a3ae71cf8e4 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/78432d8f0372c71c518096395537fa12be7ff24e (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/87a803edb2ded911cb587c53bff179d2a2ed2a28 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/cbede2e833da1893afbea9b3ff29b5dda23a4a91 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8567-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8574-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8575-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8576-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8574-2 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8595-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8596-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8575-2 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8576-2 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8595-2 (opens in a new tab)