FreeBSD ptrace PT_SC_REMOTE validation flaw in syscall meta-calls
CVE-2026-45253 Published on May 21, 2026
Missing validation in ptrace(PT_SC_REMOTE)
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.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-45253 can be exploited with local system access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is a Memory Corruption Vulnerability?
The software writes data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer. Typically, this can result in corruption of data, a crash, or code execution. The software may modify an index or perform pointer arithmetic that references a memory location that is outside of the boundaries of the buffer. A subsequent write operation then produces undefined or unexpected results.
CVE-2026-45253 has been classified to as a Memory Corruption vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-45253
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Affected Versions
FreeBSD:- Version 15.0-RELEASE and below p9 is affected.
- Version 14.4-RELEASE and below p5 is affected.
- Version 14.3-RELEASE and below p14 is affected.