CVE-2026-31428
Published: April 13, 2026· Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: nfnetlink_log: fix uninitialized padding leak in NFULA_PAYLOAD
__build_packet_message() manually constructs the NFULA_PAYLOAD netlink
attribute using skb_put() and skb_copy_bits(), bypassing the standard
nla_reserve()/nla_put() helpers. While nla_total_size(data_len) bytes
are allocated (including NLA alignment padding), only data_len bytes
of actual packet data are copied. The trailing nla_padlen(data_len)
bytes (1-3 when data_len is not 4-byte aligned) are never initialized,
leaking stale heap contents to userspace via the NFLOG netlink socket.
Replace the manual attribute construction with nla_reserve(), which
handles the tailroom check, header setup, and padding zeroing via
__nla_reserve(). The subsequent skb_copy_bits() fills in the payload
data on top of the properly initialized attribute.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-31428 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (8)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-31428 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts