Linux Kernel up to 7.1.4/7.2-rc3 KVM memory corruption

| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | $5k-$25k | 1.89+ |
Summary
A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.1.4/7.2-rc3. It has been rated as very critical. Impacted is an unknown function of the component KVM. Performing a manipulation results in memory corruption. This vulnerability is reported as CVE-2026-72281. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. No exploit exists.
Details
A vulnerability, which was classified as very critical, was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.1.4/7.2-rc3. This affects an unknown function of the component KVM. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: KVM: arm64: account pKVM reclaim against the VM mm Protected guest faults charge long term pins to the VM's mm. Teardown can run later from file release, where current->mm may be unrelated. Drop the charge from kvm->mm instead.
It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-72281 since 08/09/2026. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The technical details are unknown and an exploit is not publicly available. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 08/15/2026).
Upgrading to version 7.1.5 or 7.2-rc4 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 34d8d7242c52c174add6b413d56420aa60f8054c/d098bb75d14fde2f12155f1a95ec0168160867ce is able to eliminate this problem.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔒VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 9.9VulDB Meta Temp Score: 9.5
VulDB Base Score: 9.9
VulDB Temp Score: 9.5
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
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| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Memory corruptionCWE: CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒
Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes
Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
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Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: UpgradeStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔒
Upgrade: Kernel 7.1.5/7.2-rc4
Patch: 34d8d7242c52c174add6b413d56420aa60f8054c/d098bb75d14fde2f12155f1a95ec0168160867ce
Timeline
08/09/2026 CVE reserved08/15/2026 Advisory disclosed
08/15/2026 VulDB entry created
08/15/2026 VulDB entry last update
Sources
Vendor: kernel.orgAdvisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2026-72281 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-72281
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-390747
Entry
Created: 08/15/2026 14:42Changes: 08/15/2026 14:42 (58)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
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