ZDI-26-443: Linux Kernel vmwgfx Integer Overflow Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
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 8.8.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (ZDI-26-443) affects the Linux Kernel's vmwgfx driver, where improper validation of user input during surface allocations can cause an integer overflow. This overflow can lead to buffer misallocation, enabling a local attacker with low privileges to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code within the kernel. Exploitation requires the attacker to already have the ability to run code with limited privileges on the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8 (high severity). Linux has released a patch to fix this issue.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to kernel level, potentially gaining full control over the affected system. This includes executing arbitrary code with kernel privileges, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Linux has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Applying the vendor-provided patch is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigation is specified or required beyond applying the official fix.
ZDI-26-443: Linux Kernel vmwgfx Integer Overflow Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Description
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 8.8.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (ZDI-26-443) affects the Linux Kernel's vmwgfx driver, where improper validation of user input during surface allocations can cause an integer overflow. This overflow can lead to buffer misallocation, enabling a local attacker with low privileges to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code within the kernel. Exploitation requires the attacker to already have the ability to run code with limited privileges on the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8 (high severity). Linux has released a patch to fix this issue.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to kernel level, potentially gaining full control over the affected system. This includes executing arbitrary code with kernel privileges, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Linux has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Applying the vendor-provided patch is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigation is specified or required beyond applying the official fix.
Technical Details
- Article Source
- {"url":"http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-443/","fetched":true,"fetchedAt":"2026-07-16T15:50:29.789Z","wordCount":211}
Threat ID: 6a58fe6468715ace43485b46
Added to database: 07/16/2026, 15:53:08 UTC
Last enriched: 07/16/2026, 15:53:38 UTC
Last updated: 07/16/2026, 17:52:14 UTC
Views: 4
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