CVE-2026-46259: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: procfs: fix missing RCU protection when r

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-46259?

linux kernel: upgrade to 5.10.252, 5.15.202, 6.1.165, 6.6.128, 6.12.75, 6.18.14, 6.19.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-46259 being exploited?

CVE-2026-46259 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-46259 affect?

CVE-2026-46259 affects linux kernel. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: procfs: fix missing RCU protection when reading real_parent in do_task_stat() When reading /proc/[pid]/stat, do_task_stat() accesses task->real_parent without proper RCU

Routine

HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-46259 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting linux kernel. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: procfs: fix missing RCU protection when reading real_parent in do_task_stat() When reading /proc/[pid]/stat, do_task_stat() accesses task->real_parent without proper RCU protection, which leads to: cpu 0 cpu 1 ----- ----- do_task_stat var = task->real_parent release_task

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 98%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2026-06-03
Last modified	2026-10-19

Publisher (CNA): kernel.org · Vendor: linux

Last updated 2026-10-19 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-06-03 18:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-19 20:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linux linux kernel UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.6.26 and < 5.10.252 · >= 5.11 and < 5.15.202 · >= 5.16 and < 6.1.165 · >= 6.2 and < 6.6.128 · >= 6.7 and < 6.12.75 · >= 6.13 and < 6.18.14 · >= 6.19 and < 6.19.4

Fixed in: 5.10.252, 5.15.202, 6.1.165, 6.6.128, 6.12.75, 6.18.14, 6.19.4

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-46259?

linux kernel: upgrade to 5.10.252, 5.15.202, 6.1.165, 6.6.128, 6.12.75, 6.18.14, 6.19.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-46259 being exploited?

CVE-2026-46259 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-46259 affect?

CVE-2026-46259 affects linux kernel. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: procfs: fix missing RCU protection when reading real_parent in do_task_stat() When reading /proc/[pid]/stat, do_task_stat() accesses task->real_parent without proper RCU

How urgent is CVE-2026-46259?

Priority 33/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Linux kernel vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-38564 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Add BPF_PROG_TYPE_CGROUP_SKB attach
CVE-2026-63938 CRITICAL 9.3 UPGRADE In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: KVM: SEV: Check PSC request indices again
CVE-2026-63937 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: KVM: SEV: Use READ_ONCE() when reading en
CVE-2026-63927 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: dwc2: Fix use after free in debug co
CVE-2026-63925 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: macsec: fix replay protection at XPN lowe

References

← Back to latest CVEs