New Pedit COW Linux Kernel Flaw Lets Local Users Gain Root Access

Critical local privilege-escalation in the Linux kernel (CVE-2026-46331, “pedit COW”) allows unprivileged users to gain root by abusing a copy-on-write validation bug in the act_pedit traffic-control module; a public proof-of-concept appeared within 24 hours and multiple major distributions are confirmed affected—apply patched kernels or block the module/disable unprivileged user namespaces immediately.