Copy Fail (CVE-2026-31431): Frequently asked questions about Linux kernel privilege escalation vulnerability (opens in new tab)

A flaw in the Linux kernel present since 2017 allows a local user to gain root access on virtually every major Linux distribution. A public exploit is available and reported to work reliably.Key TakeawaysCVE-2026-31431 is a high severity local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel reportedly affecting virtually every major distribution released since 2017. A public exploit is available and reported to be reliable, drawing comparisons to previous high-profile Linux kernel priv...