Root-process termination via inherited cgroup descriptor
Published Sep 2, 2026 · Updated Sep 3, 2026
Privilege delegation in util-linux 2.40 through 2.42.2 allows local users to migrate and terminate unrelated root processes. The open_cgroup_procs path opens cgroup.procs as root, then retains the descriptor without close-on-exec across namespace, credential, and exec transitions. Exploitation requires a privileged operator to run nsenter --join-cgroup against an attacker-controlled target on cgroup v2; the inherited authority can move and terminate selected root processes.
Summary
What happened
Privilege delegation in util-linux 2.40 through 2.42.2 allows local users to migrate and terminate unrelated root processes. The open_cgroup_procs path opens cgroup.procs as root, then retains the descriptor without close-on-exec across namespace, credential, and exec transitions. Exploitation requires a privileged operator to run nsenter --join-cgroup against an attacker-controlled target on cgroup v2; the inherited authority can move and terminate selected root processes.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-78408
- Published
- Sep 2, 2026
- Updated
- Sep 3, 2026
- Vendor
- 389 Directory Server
- Product
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
- Classifications
- CWE-775, CWE-270, T1499
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Sep 3, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Affected versions are unavailable in this record. Check the vendor advisory for version and patch details.
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Upstream nsenter cgroup descriptor reproductionproof of concept · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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