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CVE-2026-45988

Linux Kernel vulnerability

9.8 CRITICALEPSS 0.67%
  1. Published27 May 2026

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: rxrpc: Fix re-decryption of RESPONSE packets If a RESPONSE packet gets a temporary failure during processing, it may end up in a partially decrypted state - and then get requeued for a retry. Fix this by just discarding the packet; we will send another CHALLENGE packet and thereby elicit a further response. Similarly, discard an incoming CHALLENGE packet if we get an error whilst generating a RESPONSE; the server will send another CHALLENGE.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Linux Kernel≥ 2.6.22 < 6.6.140 · ≥ 6.13 < 6.18.27 · ≥ 6.19 < 7.0.4 · ≥ 6.7 < 6.12.86

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2026-45988 being actively exploited?

CVE-2026-45988 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.67%.

How severe is CVE-2026-45988?

CVE-2026-45988 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.67% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-45988?

Affected products include Linux Kernel.

How do I fix CVE-2026-45988?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Linux Kernel 6.6.140 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-45988 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.