ZDI-26-572: Linux Kernel XFRM Race Condition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
A race condition vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's XFRM subsystem allows local attackers with existing high privileges to escalate their privileges further by exploiting improper locking during operations on xfrm_state objects. This flaw can lead to code execution in kernel context. Linux has issued an update to address this vulnerability.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability exists in the Linux Kernel's handling of xfrm_state objects within the XFRM subsystem. Due to a lack of proper locking when performing operations on these objects, a race condition arises that can be exploited by local attackers who already have the ability to execute high-privileged code. Exploitation allows privilege escalation and execution of code in kernel context. The vulnerability has been assigned CVSS 7.5 by ZDI, indicating high severity. Linux has released a patch to correct this issue, as referenced in the linked GitHub commit.
Potential Impact
Local attackers with high privileges can exploit this race condition to escalate their privileges further and execute arbitrary code in kernel context, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability does not allow initial code execution but elevates privileges from an already high-privileged state.
Mitigation Recommendations
Linux has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Applying the vendor-provided patch is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor advisory.
ZDI-26-572: Linux Kernel XFRM Race Condition Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Description
A race condition vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's XFRM subsystem allows local attackers with existing high privileges to escalate their privileges further by exploiting improper locking during operations on xfrm_state objects. This flaw can lead to code execution in kernel context. Linux has issued an update to address this vulnerability.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability exists in the Linux Kernel's handling of xfrm_state objects within the XFRM subsystem. Due to a lack of proper locking when performing operations on these objects, a race condition arises that can be exploited by local attackers who already have the ability to execute high-privileged code. Exploitation allows privilege escalation and execution of code in kernel context. The vulnerability has been assigned CVSS 7.5 by ZDI, indicating high severity. Linux has released a patch to correct this issue, as referenced in the linked GitHub commit.
Potential Impact
Local attackers with high privileges can exploit this race condition to escalate their privileges further and execute arbitrary code in kernel context, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability does not allow initial code execution but elevates privileges from an already high-privileged state.
Mitigation Recommendations
Linux has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Applying the vendor-provided patch is the recommended remediation. No additional mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Classification
- {"confidence":0.95,"severitySource":"cvss-text","classifier":"rss-v2"}
- Article Source
- {"url":"http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-572/","fetched":true,"fetchedAt":"2026-08-13T20:40:16.910Z","wordCount":204}
Threat ID: 6a7e2cfbbf8831d539c73d1d
Added to database: 08/13/2026, 20:45:47 UTC
Last enriched: 08/13/2026, 20:48:01 UTC
Last updated: 08/13/2026, 20:51:16 UTC
Views: 4
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