CVE-2026-19816

A flaw was found in PackageKit. In the dnf5 backend, the RepoRemove handler ignores the SIMULATE transaction flag and executes a real package removal, allowing an unprivileged local user to uninstall packages without polkit authorization.

This issue affects Fedora systems using PackageKit with the dnf5 backend. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is not affected because it ships PackageKit 1.2.x with the classic dnf backend, which does not include the vulnerable dnf5 code path. An attacker requires local access and the ability to invoke PackageKit as an unprivileged user. This flaw allows unauthorized package removal and can affect system integrity and availability, but does not provide arbitrary package installation or a root shell.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.

Red Hat is not aware of a practical temporary workaround that fully mitigates this issue or meets Red Hat Product Security's standards for usability, deployment, applicability, or stability. Customers are advised to apply the relevant security updates when/if they become available.