CVE-2026-39402: lxc lxc-user-nic insufficient ownership validation allows cross-tenant OVS port deletion
lxc is a Linux container runtime. In the setuid helper lxc-user-nic, the delete path contains a logic flaw in the findline() function that allows an unprivileged user to delete OVS-attached network interfaces belonging to other users. When lxc-user-nic delete scans its NIC database to authorize a deletion request, the interface name comparison can set the authorization flag based on a name match alone, even when the ownership, type, and link fields in that database entry belong to a different user. The vulnerable check sits after the goto next label handling, meaning it is reachable on lines where earlier ownership checks failed or were skipped. Because nothing downstream of this authorization signal re-verifies that the matched database line actually belongs to the caller, an unprivileged attacker with a valid lxc-usernet policy entry can trigger deletion of another user's OVS port on the same bridge.
This is limited to multi-tenant environments using lxc-user-nic with OpenVSwitch bridges. The impact is denial of service - one tenant can repeatedly disconnect networking from containers run by another tenant on shared infrastructure. This is patched in version 7.0.0.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
lxc-user-nicto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 7.0.0
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-39402?
CVE-2026-39402 has been classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on cross-tenant OVS port deletion.
How do I fix CVE-2026-39402?
To fix CVE-2026-39402, ensure you are using a version of lxc-user-nic that is upgraded to 7.0.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-39402?
CVE-2026-39402 affects users of lxc-user-nic versions prior to 7.0.0, particularly those utilizing Open vSwitch (OVS) with Linux containers.
What exploit is associated with CVE-2026-39402?
The exploit associated with CVE-2026-39402 allows unprivileged users to delete Open vSwitch-attached network interfaces due to insufficient ownership validation.
When was CVE-2026-39402 disclosed?
CVE-2026-39402 was disclosed as a vulnerability related to insufficient validations in the lxc-user-nic utility.