CVE-2026-16445

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited from the same network segment without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

3.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-07-21 13:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-11-04 22:18 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 3.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-07-21 13:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-11-04 22:18 UTC

Exploit probability

3.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-78 · OS command injection

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Adjacent network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-16445.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-16445. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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