CVE-2026-46302
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: selinux: allow multiple opens of /sys/fs/selinux/policy Currently there can only be a single open of /sys/fs/selinux/policy at any time. This allows any process to block any other process from reading the kernel policy. The original motivation seems to have been a mix of preventing an inconsistent view of the policy size and preventing userspace from allocating kernel memory without bound, but this is arguably equally bad. Eliminate the policy_opened flag and shrink the critical section that the policy mutex is held. While we are making changes here, drop a couple of extraneous BUG_ONs.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: selinux: allow multiple opens of /sys/fs/selinux/policy Currently there can only be a single open of /sys/fs/selinux/policy at any time. This allows any process to block any other process from reading the kernel policy. The original motivation seems to have been a mix of preventing an inconsistent view of the policy size and preventing userspace from allocating kernel memory without bound, but this is arguably equally bad. Eliminate the policy_opened flag and shrink the critical section that the policy mutex is held. While we are making changes here, drop a couple of extraneous BUG_ONs. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
NVD-CWE-noinfoAffected products and versions
Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.
| Vendor | Product | Version evidence |
|---|---|---|
| linux | linux_kernel | from (inclusive) 2.6.37; before 7.0.7 · CPE version 7.1 · CPE version 7.1 |
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0ed712134a3db0075bfe9a0f8536c48728ec745e REFERENCE 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/714362f3779dfa453a78ced32396a72726962a41 PATCH 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9795810d116bc9071485929ba6471dc8d5bd158b REFERENCE 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a02cd6805562305f936e807da83e253b719dd965 PATCH 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c24d2e190b955baf3a95e05d34b192f61bd201b3 REFERENCE 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d8cafd0226d5df682d1f4ea978a4318fe3a11210 REFERENCE 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67