Advisory Details

March 16th, 2026

(Pwn2Own) Linux Kernel nf_tables Use-After-Free Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-26-191
ZDI-CAN-17443

CVE ID CVE-2022-32250
CVSS SCORE 8.8, AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS Linux
AFFECTED PRODUCTS Kernel
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Linux Kernel. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the handling of nft_objects. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS Linux has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2022-32250#notes
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2022-05-25 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2026-03-16 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2026-03-16 - Advisory Updated
CREDIT Keith Yeo (@kyeojy)
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