SB20260816242 - Use-after-free in Linux kernel core



SB20260816242 - Use-after-free in Linux kernel core

Published: August 16, 2026

Security Bulletin ID SB20260816242
CSH Severity
Low
Patch available
YES
Number of vulnerabilities 1
Exploitation vector Local access
Highest impact Denial of service

Breakdown by Severity

Low 100%
  • Low
  • Medium
  • High
  • Critical

Description

This security bulletin contains information about 1 vulnerability.


1) Use-after-free (CVE-ID: CVE-2026-74479)

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

CVSSv4: 6.8 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N]


The vulnerability allows a local user to cause a denial of service.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free in the pktgen proc entry handling in net/core/pktgen.c when concurrently removing and renaming pktgen devices. A local user can trigger a race condition involving proc_remove() on a stale proc_dir_entry to cause a denial of service.

The issue occurs because pktgen_change_name() and pktgen_remove_device() access the same proc entry with inconsistent locking, and exploitation requires winning a race between those paths.


Remediation

Install update from vendor's website.