The Linux kernel project is releasing four stable versions this week: 7.2.12, 6.18.58, 6.12.114, and 6.6.160, all of which include a critical security fix for the vulnerability CVE-2026-99999, known as "PwnEscape." The release 6.6.160 includes a significant 1,674 patches, a reflection of the increasing volume of fixes due to AI-assisted reviews, while the newest version 7.2.12 only requires 10. Linus Torvalds noted that this high patch volume is now the "new normal," emphasizing the importance of regular updates and reboots for system stability. Users are advised to upgrade to the latest point releases and be aware of which versions their distributions package, as these releases focus primarily on stability and security rather than new features

Four Stable Linux Kernels Finalize With PwnEscape Fix Already in Place

The Linux kernel project is finalizing four stable releases this week, 7.2.12, 6.18.58, 6.12.114, and 6.6.160, each on a different maintenance track from newest mainline to oldest LTS. All four inherit the fix for CVE-2026-99999, a critical guest-to-host VM escape nicknamed "PwnEscape" that dated back to Linux 2.6.27. Patch volume is staggering, with 6.6.160 carrying 1,674 fixes after nearly three years of backporting while the fresh 7.2.12 needs just 10. Linus Torvalds calls this volume "the new normal," driven by AI-assisted review, and operators' best move is simply to update to the newest point release for their branch and reboot.

Four Stable Linux Kernels Finalize With PwnEscape Fix Already in Place @ Linux Compatible