Critical Security Update for Real Time Linux Kernel: kernel-rt Vulnerability CVE-2026-46054
Summary
ALSA-2026:27812: Important: kernel-rt security update. Affects kernel-rt versions < 4.18.0-553.137.1.rt7.478.el8_10. Fixed in 4.18.0-553.137.1.rt7.478.el8_10. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The kernel-rt package provides a Real Time Linux Kernel tailored for systems requiring high determinism. This package is essential for applications where timing and responsiveness are critical, such as in industrial automation and real-time data processing. The kernel-rt package is part of the AlmaLinux ecosystem, which is designed to be a stable and secure platform for enterprise-level applications.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-46054 pertains to improper access checks in the overlayfs implementation of the kernel-rt package. This flaw allows unauthorized users to potentially access sensitive memory regions, leading to privilege escalation or data leakage. The issue arises from insufficient validation during memory mapping and protection operations, which could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system integrity.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
4.18.0-553.137.1.rt7.478.el8_10
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update kernel-rtTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can restrict access to the affected kernel features or limit the execution of applications that rely on the vulnerable overlayfs functionality until the update is applied. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be used as a stopgap.
Conclusion
The kernel-rt vulnerability CVE-2026-46054 poses significant risks to system integrity and security. Users are strongly advised to update their kernel-rt packages to the latest patched version to mitigate these risks. Regular monitoring and timely updates are essential for maintaining a secure environment.
See every vulnerability recorded for kernel-rt →
FAQ
CVE-2026-46054 is a security vulnerability in the kernel-rt package that allows unauthorized access to memory regions due to improper access checks.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions.
Yes, a patch is available in the form of an updated kernel-rt package. Users should upgrade to version 4.18.0-553.137.1.rt7.478.el8_10 or later.
If immediate updating is not possible, consider implementing access restrictions to the affected kernel features as a temporary workaround.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for kernel-rt.
