CVE-2026-45851

CVE-2026-45851 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-125.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: efi: Fix reservation of unaccepted memory table The reserve_unaccepted() function incorrectly calculates the size of the memblock reservation for the unaccepted memory table. It aligns the size of the table, but fails to account for cases where the table's starting physical address (efi.unaccepted) is not page-aligned. If the table starts at an offset within a page and its end crosses into a subsequent page that the aligned size does not cover, the end of the table will not be reserved. This can lead to the table being overwritten or inaccessible, causing a kernel panic in accept_memory(). This issue was observed when starting Intel TDX VMs with specific memory sizes (e.g., > 64GB). Fix this by calculating the end address first (including the unaligned start) and then aligning it up, ensuring the entire range is covered by the reservation.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-45851?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: efi: Fix reservation of unaccepted memory table The reserve_unaccepted() function incorrectly calculates the size of the memblock reservation for the unaccepted memory table. It aligns the size of the table, but fails to account for cases where the table's starting physical address (efi.unaccepted) is not page-aligned. If the table starts at an offset within a page and its end crosses into a subsequent page that the aligned size does not cover, the end of the table will not be reserved. This can lead to the table being overwritten or inaccessible, causing a kernel panic in accept_memory(). This issue was observed when starting Intel TDX VMs with specific memory sizes (e.g., > 64GB). Fix this by calculating the end address first (including the unaligned start) and then aligning it up, ensuring the entire range is covered by the reservation.
How severe is CVE-2026-45851?
CVE-2026-45851 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-45851 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-45851?
CVE-2026-45851 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45851?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2026-45851 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-45851 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-32317.
When was CVE-2026-45851 published?
CVE-2026-45851 was published on 2026-05-27 and last updated on 2026-06-25.

References

Affected products (7)

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