# What is CVE-2026-31431?

> CVE-2026-31431 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) in Linux kernel, published on 22 April 2026. It is on the list of flaws known to be exploited, so criminals are already using it. The latest forecast puts its chance of use in the next 30 days at 3.4%. If you run an affected version, patch it first.

Canonical page: https://www.precursorintelligence.com/what-is/cve-2026-31431

## At a glance

- **Verdict:** Fix this now. Attackers are using this flaw today. If you run an affected version, it goes to the top of your list.
- **Precursor Intelligence risk score:** 71 out of 100 (High); action: Emergency patch. Kept up to date as the evidence changes.
- **Severity:** High (CVSS 7.8 out of 10)
- **Known to be exploited:** Yes, it is on the government list of flaws known to be exploited
- **Chance of use in the next 30 days:** 3.4% (latest exploit-likelihood forecast)
- **Published:** 22 April 2026
- **Record last updated:** 8 September 2026
- **Main product:** Linux kernel
- **Affected products:** 48

## What is CVE-2026-31431? In plain terms

An attacker has to be already on the device with an ordinary user account, and nobody has to click anything. If it works, the attacker can read data, change data and take it offline.

### The official description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

crypto: algif_aead - Revert to operating out-of-place

This mostly reverts commit 72548b093ee3 except for the copying of
the associated data.

There is no benefit in operating in-place in algif_aead since the
source and destination come from different mappings.  Get rid of
all the complexity added for in-place operation and just copy the
AD directly.

### What kind of flaw is it?

- CWE-1288: Improper Validation of Consistency within Input
- CWE-669: Incorrect Resource Transfer Between Spheres

### How an attack on it works

- Where an attacker can be: Already on the device
- How hard it is to pull off: Easy: no special conditions
- Login needed first: An ordinary user account
- Does someone have to click: No, nobody has to do anything
- What an attacker gets: Can read data, change data and take it offline

Severity vector: `CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`

## Is CVE-2026-31431 being exploited? Yes

Attackers are already using it. It is on the government list of flaws known to be exploited, and the latest forecast puts the chance of it being used in the next 30 days at 3.4%.

Exploit likelihood over the last 7 days: 3.4%, 3.4%, 3.4%, 3.4%, 3.4%, 3.4%, 3.4%.

### Timeline

- 22 April 2026: Published
- 5 May 2026: Added to the known-exploited list
- 16 June 2026: Exploit likelihood jumped
- 8 September 2026: Record last updated
- 25 September 2026: Exploit likelihood fell

### How Precursor Intelligence ranks it

CVE-2026-31431 scores **71 out of 100 (High)**, with the action "Emergency patch".

Every published flaw gets a risk score from 0 to 100, kept up to date as the evidence changes. Four things go into the score, from the one that counts most to the ones that count less:

- Evidence it is being exploited: biggest factor
- How severe it is: strong factor
- How widely exposed it is: smaller factor
- Threat activity around it: smaller factor

85 and above is Critical. Anything confirmed as exploited is always marked for an emergency patch, whatever its score. When this flaw matches software you track, it lands in your list with its score and the reasons behind it.

## Who is affected by CVE-2026-31431?

The published record lists 48 products. Versions are as published: "4.14 to before 5.10.254" means from 4.14 up to, but not including, 5.10.254.

- [Linux kernel](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/linux/linux_kernel) by [Linux](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/linux) (Operating system): 4.14 to before 5.10.254, 5.11 to before 5.15.204, 5.16 to before 6.1.170, 6.2 to before 6.6.137, 6.7 to before 6.12.85, 6.13 to before 6.18.22, 6.19 to before 6.19.12, 7.0-rc1, 7.0-rc2, 7.0-rc3, 7.0-rc4, 7.0-rc5, 7.0-rc6
- [Linux Enterprise Server](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_server) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 11-sp4, 12-sp4, 12-sp5, 15-sp1, 15-sp2, 15-sp3, 15-sp4, 15-sp5, 15-sp6, 15-sp7, 16.0, 16.1
- [Openshift Container Platform](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/redhat/openshift_container_platform) by [Red Hat](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/redhat) (Application): 4.0, 4.12 to before 4.12.89, 4.13 to before 4.13.66, 4.14 to before 4.14.65, 4.15 to before 4.15.64, 4.16 to before 4.16.61, 4.17 to before 4.17.53, 4.18 to before 4.18.40, 4.19 to before 4.19.30, 4.20 to before 4.20.21, 4.21 to before 4.21.14
- [Linux Enterprise Desktop](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_desktop) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 11-sp4, 12-sp4, 15-sp1, 15-sp2, 15-sp3, 15-sp4, 15-sp5, 15-sp6, 15-sp7
- [Basesystem Module](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/basesystem_module) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp1, 15-sp2, 15-sp3, 15-sp4, 15-sp5, 15-sp6, 15-sp7
- [Development Tools Module](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/development_tools_module) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp1, 15-sp2, 15-sp3, 15-sp4, 15-sp5, 15-sp6, 15-sp7
- [Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_high_performance_computing) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15.0-sp1, 15.0-sp2, 15.0-sp3, 15.0-sp4, 15.0-sp5, 15.0-sp6, 15.0-sp7
- [Ubuntu Linux](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/canonical/ubuntu_linux) by [Canonical](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/canonical) (Operating system): 14.04, 16.04, 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04, 25.10
- [Linux Enterprise Micro](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_micro) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5
- [Linux Enterprise Real Time](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_real_time) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15.0-sp2, 15.0-sp3, 15.0-sp4, 15.0-sp5, 15.0-sp6, 15.0-sp7
- [Linux Enterprise Live Patching](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_live_patching) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 12-sp5, 15-sp4, 15-sp5, 15-sp6, 15-sp7
- [Realtime Module](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/realtime_module) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp3, 15-sp4, 15-sp5, 15-sp6, 15-sp7
- [Enterprise Linux Eus](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/redhat/enterprise_linux_eus) by [Red Hat](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/redhat) (Operating system): 8.4, 9.4, 9.6, 10.0
- [Enterprise Linux Update Services for Sap Solutions](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/redhat/enterprise_linux_update_services_for_sap_solutions) by [Red Hat](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/redhat) (Operating system): 8.6, 8.8, 9.0, 9.2
- [Leap](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/opensuse/leap) by [Opensuse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/opensuse) (Operating system): 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6
- [Linux Enterprise High Availability Extension](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_high_availability_extension) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp4, 15-sp6, 15-sp7, 16.0
- [Manager Proxy](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/manager_proxy) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
- [Manager Retail Branch Server](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/manager_retail_branch_server) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
- [Manager Server](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/manager_server) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
- [Simatic HMI Unified Comfort Panels Firmware](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/siemens/simatic_hmi_unified_comfort_panels_firmware) by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): before 21.0, 21.0, 21.0-update_1, 21.0-update_2
- [Debian Linux](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/debian/debian_linux) by [Debian](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/debian) (Operating system): 11.0, 12.0, 13.0
- [Enterprise Linux](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/redhat/enterprise_linux) by [Red Hat](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/redhat) (Operating system): 8.0, 9.0, 10.0
- [Enterprise Storage](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/enterprise_storage) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 6.0, 7.0, 7.1
- [Linux Micro](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_micro) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 6.0, 6.1, 6.2
- [Netvisor OS](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/arista/netvisor_os) by [Arista](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/arista) (Operating system): before 7.1.0, 7.1.0, 7.1.0-hotfix7
- [Enterprise Linux Aus](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/redhat/enterprise_linux_aus) by [Red Hat](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/redhat) (Operating system): 8.4, 8.6
- [Enterprise Linux Tus](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/redhat/enterprise_linux_tus) by [Red Hat](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/redhat) (Operating system): 8.6, 8.8
- [Public Cloud Module](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/public_cloud_module) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp6, 15-sp7
- [Amazon Linux](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/amazon/amazon_linux) by [Amazon](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/amazon) (Operating system): version not specified
- [Caas Platform](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/caas_platform) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 4.0
- [Cloudvision Agni](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/arista/cloudvision_agni) by [Arista](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/arista) (Application): 2024.4.0 to 2025.2.2
- [Cloudvision Portal](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/arista/cloudvision_portal) by [Arista](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/arista) (Application): 2024.2.0 to 2026.1.0
- [Legacy Module](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/legacy_module) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp7
- [Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/linux_enterprise_workstation_extension) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Operating system): 15-sp7
- [Nixos](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/nixos/nixos) by [Nixos](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/nixos) (Operating system): before 25.11
- [Openstack Cloud](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/openstack_cloud) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 9.0
- [Openstack Cloud Crowbar](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/suse/openstack_cloud_crowbar) by [Suse](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/suse) (Application): 9.0
- [Simatic Ax Runtime](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/siemens/simatic_ax_runtime) by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Application): version not specified
- [Simatic Cn 4100 Firmware](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/siemens/simatic_cn_4100_firmware) by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): before 6.0
- [Simatic Iot2050 Advanced Firmware](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/siemens/simatic_iot2050_advanced_firmware) by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): version not specified
- [Simatic IPC Ied-OS](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/siemens/simatic_ipc_ied-os) by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): version not specified
- Simatic S7-1500 CPU 1518-4 Pn/dp Mfp Firmware by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): 3.1.5 and later
- Simatic S7-1500 CPU 1518f-4 Pn/dp Mfp Firmware by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): 3.1.5 and later
- [Simatic S7-1500 Tm Mfp Firmware](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/siemens/simatic_s7-1500_tm_mfp_firmware) by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): version not specified
- Siplus S7-1500 CPU 1518-4 Pn/dp Mfp Firmware by [Siemens](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/siemens) (Operating system): 3.1.5 and later
- [Velocloud Edge](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/arista/velocloud_edge) by [Arista](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/arista) (Application): 4.5.0 to 6.4.1
- [Velocloud Gateway](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/arista/velocloud_gateway) by [Arista](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/arista) (Application): version not specified
- [Velocloud Orchestrator](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/product/arista/velocloud_orchestrator) by [Arista](https://www.precursorintelligence.com/vendors/arista) (Application): version not specified

## How do I fix CVE-2026-31431?

1. **Check whether you run it.** Compare your versions with the affected products above. Not sure what you run? Precursor Intelligence can work it out from your public website, or you can pick it from a list.
2. **Apply the vendor’s fix.** Install the update named in the vendor’s advisory. We’ve put the advisories and patch notes first in the list.
3. **If you can’t patch today.** Follow any mitigation the vendor publishes, and limit who can reach the affected system from the internet until the update is in.
4. **Check it wasn’t used before you patched.** Because criminals are already using this flaw, look for signs of a break-in on affected systems using the vendor’s guidance.

### References

- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/19d43105a97be0810edbda875f2cd03f30dc130c) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3115af9644c342b356f3f07a4dd1c8905cd9a6fc) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/893d22e0135fa394db81df88697fba6032747667) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8b88d99341f139e23bdeb1027a2a3ae10d341d82) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/961cfa271a918ad4ae452420e7c303149002875b) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a664bf3d603dc3bdcf9ae47cc21e0daec706d7a5) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ce42ee423e58dffa5ec03524054c9d8bfd4f6237) (Patch)
- [git.kernel.org](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fafe0fa2995a0f7073c1c358d7d3145bcc9aedd8) (Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/29/23) (Exploit, Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/29/25) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/29/26) (Exploit, Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/10) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/11) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/12) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/14) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/15) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/16) (Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/5) (Exploit, Mailing list, Patch)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/17) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/18) (Exploit, Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/2) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/20) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/04/30/6) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/10) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/12) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/15) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/16) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/17) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/18) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/2) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/22) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/23) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/24) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/3) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/14) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/15) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/16) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/17) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/18) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/19) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/20) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/21) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/23) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/24) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/25) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/4) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/5) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/6) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/7) (Mailing list)
- [openwall.com](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/02/8) (Mailing list)

## Questions

### What is CVE-2026-31431?

CVE-2026-31431 is a high-severity flaw in Linux kernel, published on 22 April 2026. An attacker has to be already on the device with an ordinary user account, and nobody has to click anything. If it works, the attacker can read data, change data and take it offline.

### How serious is CVE-2026-31431?

It scores 7.8 out of 10 on the CVSS severity scale, which is high. Our risk score for CVE-2026-31431 is 71 out of 100, which is High. Its action is "Emergency patch". Attackers are using this flaw today. If you run an affected version, it goes to the top of your list.

### Is CVE-2026-31431 being exploited?

Attackers are already using it. It is on the government list of flaws known to be exploited, and the latest forecast puts the chance of it being used in the next 30 days at 3.4%.

### Which versions does CVE-2026-31431 affect?

For Linux kernel: 4.14 to before 5.10.254, 5.11 to before 5.15.204, 5.16 to before 6.1.170, 6.2 to before 6.6.137, 6.7 to before 6.12.85, 6.13 to before 6.18.22 and 7 more. The record lists 48 products in all, each with its versions, under "Who is affected" on this page.

### How do I fix CVE-2026-31431?

Install the update the vendor names in its advisory, linked first under "How do I fix" on this page. If you can't patch today, follow the vendor's mitigation and limit who can reach the affected system from the internet. Because criminals are already using it, also check affected systems for signs of a break-in.

## Does CVE-2026-31431 affect you?

Precursor Intelligence keeps checking for you:

- **Tell us what you run.** Pick your software from a list, or let us work it out from your website.
- **We match it to every flaw.** Over 400,000 published flaws, checked against your list.
- **Ranked by real-world risk.** Every flaw gets a 0 to 100 risk score, kept up to date, led by evidence criminals are using it.
- **Told as soon as we know.** An alert by email, in the app or by webhook to your own tools.

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