CVE-2026-16445: Dracut: dracut: root code execution via dhcp options command injection in networkmanager initrd module

Severity: high (CVSS 7.5 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 3.1% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2026-07-21 · updated 2026-10-30
Weakness: CWE-78

Description

A flaw was found in dracut. A remote attacker on the adjacent network can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted DHCP options, such as a malicious root-path, next-server, or bootfile name, to a system using dracut's NetworkManager-based initrd network module. These options are improperly handled and written into a temporary shell script without proper escaping, leading to command injection. This allows the attacker to achieve root code execution within the initramfs during system boot.

Affected products

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8: all versions — fixed in 0:049-244.git20260529.el8_10
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support: all versions — fixed in 0:049-138.git20220131.el8_4.1
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On: all versions — fixed in 0:049-138.git20220131.el8_4.1
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support: all versions — fixed in 0:049-203.git20220511.el8_6.1
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On: all versions — fixed in 0:049-203.git20220511.el8_6.1
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Telecommunications Update Service: all versions — fixed in 0:049-223.git20230119.el8_8.1
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Update Services for SAP Solutions: all versions — fixed in 0:049-223.git20230119.el8_8.1
Red Hat Hardened Images: all versions — fixed in 109-7.hum1
Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.12: all versions — fixed in 412.86.202610250235-0

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 0:049-244.git20260529.el8_10; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support 0:049-138.git20220131.el8_4.1; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On 0:049-138.git20220131.el8_4.1; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support 0:049-203.git20220511.el8_6.1; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.6 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On 0:049-203.git20220511.el8_6.1; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Telecommunications Update Service 0:049-223.git20230119.el8_8.1; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.8 Update Services for SAP Solutions 0:049-223.git20230119.el8_8.1; Red Hat Hardened Images 109-7.hum1; Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.12 412.86.202610250235-0. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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