CVE-2026-45257: Arbitrary file overwrite via the KTLS receive path
The KTLS receive path decrypted each record in place, assuming that the mbufs holding received data were anonymous and safe to modify. This assumption does not hold for data placed on a socket by sendfile(2), which can reference file-backed memory directly through non-anonymous MEXTPG pages or EXTSFBUF mbufs. When the sender transmits such data over a loopback connection without enabling KTLS on the transmit side, the file-backed mbufs reach the receiver's decryption path unchanged. Decrypting a record in place then overwrites the backing file's page cache instead of a private copy of the data.
An unprivileged local user who can read a file can overwrite its contents with data of their choosing by sending the file over a loopback connection on which they have enabled KTLS receive. The write modifies the page cache directly, so it bypasses file flags such as schg and is written back to disk. By overwriting a setuid binary or other trusted file, a local user can escalate privileges, potentially gaining full control of the affected system.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-45257?
CVE-2026-45257 has been classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for local root exploitation.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45257?
To fix CVE-2026-45257, users should update their FreeBSD kernel to the latest patched version provided by the FreeBSD project.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-45257?
CVE-2026-45257 affects FreeBSD systems utilizing the kTLS-RX feature with specific configurations.
What is the impact of CVE-2026-45257?
The impact of CVE-2026-45257 allows a local attacker to potentially escalate privileges to root by exploiting in-place AES-GCM decryption vulnerabilities.
When was CVE-2026-45257 published?
CVE-2026-45257 was published on June 10, 2026.