CVE-2026-45253 Missing validation in ptrace(PT_SC_REMOTE)

High 8.4 Published 21 May 2026 Updated 22 May 2026

An unprivileged local user can escalate privileges to root via missing validation in ptrace PT_SC_REMOTE, allowing arbitrary kernel code execution.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2026-45253?

CVE-2026-45253 is a high-severity vulnerability in Freebsd Freebsd, published on 21 May 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

ptrace(PT_SC_REMOTE) failed to properly validate parameters for the syscall(2) and __syscall(2) meta-system calls. As a result, a user with the ability to debug a process may trigger arbitrary code execution in the kernel, even if the target process has no special privileges.

The missing validation allows an unprivileged local user to escalate privileges, potentially gaining full control of the affected system.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-45253?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Freebsd Freebsd.

How do I fix CVE-2026-45253?

No fix has been published for CVE-2026-45253 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Is CVE-2026-45253 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-45253 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Freebsd Freebsd vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-96wx-9xhw-cf8x.