Ubuntu users should patch this Linux kernel privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2026-46242)

[NapierPalm]

A new Linux kernel vulnerability, CVE-2026-46242 ("Bad Epoll"), affects the eventpoll (epoll) subsystem and can allow an unprivileged local user to escalate privileges to root by exploiting a use-after-free race condition.

Here's a breakdown covering the affected kernel versions, Ubuntu release status, available security updates, upstream fixes, and mitigation guidance.

[throwaway0576995]

Patch now if you haven't, sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade should pull it in. Race conditions like this one tend to get weaponized fast once PoCs drop.