CVE-2026-31431: linux-aws-hwe, linux-azure, linux-gcp, linux-hwe, linux-oracle vulnerabilities
Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database
Exploited in the wild · KEV due 15 May 2026 · public exploit available (Metasploit) · fixed in 4.15.0-1192.205~16.04.1 : patch Linux kernel now.
Data as of 5 Nov 2026, 22:21 UTC
Actively exploited
High severity · No CVSS score from NVD or the CNA
- KEV deadline
- US federal agencies must patch by this date; a sensible deadline for everyone else. Other KEV due dates
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 4.15.0-1192.205~16.04.1, 4.15.0-1201.216~16.04.1, 4.15.0-1185.202~16.04.1 +2
Exploitation evidence
t = 0 is the CVE’s publication on cve.org
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 17 Jun 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: evidence found.
Exploited in the wildExploited: evidence found.
Listed in CISA KEV 47 days before disclosure
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
Timeline
Added to CISA KEV (opens in a new tab)
exploitation confirmed
, 47 days before disclosure
KEV remediation due
US federal deadline
, 33 days before disclosure
CVE published
on cve.org
, t = 0
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), CISA KEV (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 5 Nov 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Patches and advisories
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSlinux-aws-hwepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws-hwe?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSlinux-azurepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSlinux-gcppkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gcp?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSlinux-hwepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-hwe?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSlinux-oraclepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-oracle?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
Description
A vulnerability (CVE-2026-31431) in the Linux kernel's algif_aead module improperly handles in-place cryptographic operations, known as Copy Fail. This flaw allows a local attacker to escalate privileges or potentially escape a container. The issue affects multiple Linux kernel variants including linux-aws-hwe, linux-azure, linux-gcp, linux-hwe, and linux-oracle. Several other security issues in the Linux kernel related to the Cryptographic API and packet sockets were also addressed in the same update. Fixes are available and require system updates and reboots.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8441-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-31431 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-31504 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-43033 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-43077 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-43078 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-46028 (opens in a new tab)