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CVE-2026-16445

Dracut: dracut: root code execution via dhcp options command injection in networkmanager initrd module

Published: Jul 21, 2026Updated: Aug 31, 2026 Sources: CVE List NVDCWE-78
7.5HIGH
NVD MITRE
EPSS Score
1.0%
Top 37.7%
CISA KEV
Not in KEV
Exploits
No Known Exploits
Remediation
Workaround Only
Self-Check
OpenVAS

Description

A flaw was found in dracut. A remote attacker on the adjacent network can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted DHCP options, such as a malicious root-path, next-server, or bootfile name, to a system using dracut's NetworkManager-based initrd network module. These options are improperly handled and written into a temporary shell script without proper escaping, leading to command injection. This allows the attacker to achieve root code execution within the initramfs during system boot.

No summary for this CVE yet.

CVSS Vector Breakdown

AV:AAC:HPR:NUI:NS:UC:HI:HA:H
Exploitability
AV:AAttack Vector
Adjacent
AC:HAttack Complexity
High
PR:NPrivileges Required
None
UI:NUser Interaction
None
Scope
S:UScope
Unchanged
Impact
C:HConfidentiality
High
I:HIntegrity
High
A:HAvailability
High
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Weaknesses

CWE-78

Affected Products

Red Hat
commercial·US
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10On-premOS
Operating Systems / linux-distro
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Telecommunications Update ServiceOn-premOS
Operating Systems / linux-distro
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Update Services for SAP SolutionsOn-premOS
Operating Systems / linux-distro
Red Hat Hardened ImagesOn-premOS
Operating Systems / linux-distro
Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4SaaSSaaS Service
Cloud & SaaS / container-orchestration
and 4 more affected products View all →

Exploitability

Workaround Available
Is your org exposed to CVE-2026-16445?Request an assessment to establish which checks are appropriate for your systems. Check my exposure

Attack Graph

Products CVE Techniques Tactics

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MITRE ATT&CK

1 technique
Execution
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References

https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:26534
access.redhat.com
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:40700
access.redhat.com
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:61252
access.redhat.com
and 4 more references View all →

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