CVE-2026-72460

Received Received - Intake

AppArmor Label Build Failure in Linux Kernel

Publication date: 2026-08-15

Last updated on: 2026-08-17

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: apparmor: check label build before no_new_privs test aa_change_profile() builds a replacement label with fn_label_build_in_scope() before the no_new_privs subset check. The build helper can fail and return NULL or an ERR_PTR, but the result was passed to aa_label_is_unconfined_subset() before the existing IS_ERR_OR_NULL() check. Reuse the existing target-label build failure handling immediately after the build. This preserves the current audit handling while preventing the subset helper from dereferencing an invalid label.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published

2026-08-15

Last Modified

2026-08-17

Generated

2026-09-04

AI Q&A

2026-08-15

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-03

NVD

CVE-2026-72460

EUVD

EUVD-2026-59359

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
linux	linux_kernel	*

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a flaw in the AppArmor security module. The issue occurs when aa_change_profile() builds a replacement label before checking no_new_privs. The label build helper can fail, returning NULL or an error, but the result is passed to aa_label_is_unconfined_subset() without proper validation. This could lead to dereferencing an invalid label.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's AppArmor module and requires kernel-level inspection. Detection involves checking the kernel version and AppArmor status. Use 'uname -r' to verify kernel version and 'aa-status' to check AppArmor. If patched, the kernel should be updated to a version containing the fix.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability may allow local attackers to bypass security restrictions or escalate privileges by exploiting the improper label handling in AppArmor. Systems relying on AppArmor for mandatory access control could be at risk of unauthorized access or privilege escalation.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar standards. It is a Linux kernel security flaw related to AppArmor label handling, which could potentially allow privilege escalation under specific conditions. Compliance impact would depend on system configuration and use of AppArmor.

Mitigation Strategies

Update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version to resolve this AppArmor-related vulnerability. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates and apply them promptly.

Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-72460. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.

0/70