CVE-2026-78408

Util-linux: util-linux: nsenter --join-cgroup leaks root cgroup migration authority

State
Published
Severity
7.9 High
Published
Sep 2, 2026
Updated
Nov 2, 2026
Reserved
Aug 24, 2026

Read the record on cve.org

Description

The nsenter --join-cgroup option opens the target cgroup.procs file as root and leaves that file descriptor open across later namespace and credential changes and across execve(). Because the kernel checks later cgroup migrations using the credentials from the original open, a program run in an attacker-controlled target can inherit root's ability to move host processes between cgroups. After a privileged operator uses --join-cgroup against that target, an unprivileged user can migrate and terminate unrelated root processes.

Scores

CVSSScoreVectorSource
3.17.9 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:Hredhat

Weaknesses

  • CWE-775 Missing Release of File Descriptor or Handle after Effective Lifetime

Affected Products

ProductVersions
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10Red Hat
  • 0:2.40.2-18.el10_2.20 and laterNot affected
Red Hat Hardened ImagesRed Hat
  • 2.42.2-3.4.hum1 and laterNot affected
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7Red Hat
    Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8Red Hat
      Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9Red Hat
        Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9Red Hat
          Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9Red Hat
            Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4Red Hat
              Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4Red Hat
                Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 5Red Hat

                  References

                  Every record here comes from the CVE Program’s CVE List. © 1999–2026 The MITRE Corporation. CVE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. The records are reproduced under the CVE Program terms of use.