High severity · published Jul 21, 2026
CVE-2026-16445
Dracut: dracut: root code execution via dhcp options command injection in networkmanager initrd module
7.5
CVSS
3.1%
EPSS
No
On KEV
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.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack vector
Adjacent
Complexity
High
Privileges
None
User interaction
None
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)3.1% · higher than 88% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Telecommunications Update Service · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Update Services for SAP Solutions · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat Hardened Images · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
RH
Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.12 · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: vendor
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-16445
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-16445
access.redhat.com
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
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:69118
access.redhat.com
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:69119
access.redhat.com
https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-16445
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