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Vulnerability · Published Jul 21, 2026 · Assigned by redhat

CVE-2026-16445Dracut: dracut: root code execution via dhcp options command injection in networkmanager initrd module

High 7.5

In plain English

A high-severity OS command injection in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 from Red Hat. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 3.2% (higher than 88% of all known vulnerabilities). Fixed versions are available - upgrade the affected package.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)7.5High
Exploit odds (30 days)3.2%top 11.7% of all CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none
Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official 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.

Affected packages & fixed versions

EcosystemPackageFixed inAdvisory
Debian:12dracutno fix listedDEBIAN-CVE-2026-16445
Debian:13dracutno fix listedDEBIAN-CVE-2026-16445
Debian:14dracut112-1DEBIAN-CVE-2026-16445
Ubuntu:24.04:LTSdracut060+5-1ubuntu3.4USN-8828-1
Ubuntu:26.04:LTSdracut110-11ubuntu0.1USN-8828-1

Affected products (as reported)

VendorProductVersions
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Telecommunications Update Service see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Update Services for SAP Solutions see references
Red Hat Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.12 see references
Red Hat Red Hat Hardened Images see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 see references
Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 see references
Red Hat Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 5 see references

Weakness: CWE-78 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References