Command Injection Vulnerability in Dracut NetworkManager Module
CVE-2026-16445

7.5HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Red Hat
Status
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
Vendor
CVE Published:
21 July 2026

What is CVE-2026-16445?

A command injection vulnerability exists in the Dracut's NetworkManager-based initrd network module, where a remote attacker on an adjacent network can exploit improperly handled DHCP options. By sending maliciously crafted values, such as an incorrect root-path or next-server, to the affected system, attackers can manipulate a temporary shell script. This leads to the potential for root code execution within the initramfs during system boot, making this a significant security risk that necessitates immediate attention.

Affected Version(s)

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 0:049-244.git20260529.el8_10

References

https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:26534
vendor-advisoryx_refsource_REDHAT
https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-16445
vdb-entryx_refsource_REDHAT
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2459963

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.5
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Adjacent Network
Attack Complexity:
High
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

This issue was discovered by Pavel Valena (Red Hat).
.