PatchTheCVECVE-2026-72442: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: flowtable: fix and simplify IP
CVE-2026-72442 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting affected software. 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: netfilter: flowtable: fix and simplify IP6IP6 tunnel handling Fix nf_flow_ip6_tunnel_proto() to use pskb_may_pull() instead of skb_header_pointer() to ensure the outer IPv6 header is in the skb headroom, which is required for subsequent packet processing. Move ctx->offset update inside the IPPROTO_IPV6 conditional block since it should only be adjusted when an IP6IP6 tunnel is
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.6% (top 54%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Published | 2026-08-15 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-17 |
Last updated 2026-08-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
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-2026-72442?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-72442 being exploited?
CVE-2026-72442 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-2026-72442 affect?
CVE-2026-72442 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: flowtable: fix and simplify IP6IP6 tunnel handling Fix nf_flow_ip6_tunnel_proto() to use pskb_may_pull() instead of skb_header_pointer() to ensure the outer IP
How urgent is CVE-2026-72442?
Priority 56/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist