CVE-2026-46281

CVE-2026-46281 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-787.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vmalloc: fix buffer overflow in vrealloc_node_align() Commit 4c5d3365882d ("mm/vmalloc: allow to set node and align in vrealloc") added the ability to force a new allocation if the current pointer is on the wrong NUMA node, or if an alignment constraint is not met, even if the user is shrinking the allocation. On this path (need_realloc), the code allocates a new object of 'size' bytes and then memcpy()s 'old_size' bytes into it. If the request is to shrink the object (size < old_size), this results in an out-of-bounds write on the new buffer. Fix this by bounding the copy length by the new allocation size.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-46281?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vmalloc: fix buffer overflow in vrealloc_node_align() Commit 4c5d3365882d ("mm/vmalloc: allow to set node and align in vrealloc") added the ability to force a new allocation if the current pointer is on the wrong NUMA node, or if an alignment constraint is not met, even if the user is shrinking the allocation. On this path (need_realloc), the code allocates a new object of 'size' bytes and then memcpy()s 'old_size' bytes into it. If the request is to shrink the object (size < old_size), this results in an out-of-bounds write on the new buffer. Fix this by bounding the copy length by the new allocation size.
How severe is CVE-2026-46281?
CVE-2026-46281 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, 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 high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-46281 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (8th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-46281?
CVE-2026-46281 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-46281?
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-2026-46281 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-46281 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-35146.
When was CVE-2026-46281 published?
CVE-2026-46281 was published on 2026-06-08 and last updated on 2026-07-08.

References

Affected products (2)

More vulnerabilities in Linux Linux Kernel

All CVEs affecting Linux Linux Kernel →

Other CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) vulnerabilities →