CVE intelligence and bounded remediation

CVE-2026-53240 — Linux Linux Kernel security vulnerability

High CVSS 8.8

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: iptfs: fix use-after-free on first_skb in __input_process_payload __input_process_payload() stores first_skb into xtfs->ra_newskb under drop_lock when starting partial reassembly, then unlocks and breaks out of the processing loop. The post-loop check reads xtfs->ra_newskb without the lock to decide whether first_skb is still owned: if (first_skb && first_iplen && !defer && first_skb != xtfs->ra_newskb) Between spin_unlock and this read, a concurrent CPU running iptfs_reassem_cont() (or the drop_timer hrtimer) can complete reassembly, NULL xtfs->ra_newskb, and free the skb. The check then evaluates first_skb != NULL as true, and pskb_trim/ip_summed/consume_skb operate on the freed skb — a use-after-free in skbuff_head_cache. Replace the unlocked read with a local bool that records whether first_skb was handed to the reassembly state in the current call. The flag is set after the existing spin_unlock, before the break, using the pointer equality that is stable at that point (first_skb == skb iff first_skb was stored in ra_newskb).

Severity
High
CVSS
8.8 (3.1)
Published
2026-06-25
CISA KEV
Not currently listed
Ecosystem
linux/kernel
Weaknesses
CWE-416

Affected products

  • linux / linux_kernel
  • linux / linux_kernel / 7.1

Showing 2 representative product identities from 9 source matches. Confirm exact affected versions with the linked vendor and NVD evidence.

Matched remediation archetype

Use-after-free, double free, and expired resource use

This catalog composition supplies bounded fallback guidance. Explicitly reviewed curated workflows load with the complete record below.

Check exposure

  • Trace ownership, references, callbacks, asynchronous tasks, and teardown paths around the affected object or resource.
  • Identify reachable inputs and timing or state transitions that can release the object while references remain.
  • Confirm affected builds, allocators, feature flags, architectures, and process privileges.

Remediate safely

  • Apply the maintained ownership or lifetime fix and rebuild all artifacts containing the affected native code.
  • Use explicit ownership, safe reference management, cancellation and join semantics, and idempotent teardown.
  • Add deterministic lifetime tests plus isolated sanitizer and concurrency coverage for shutdown and error paths.

Authoritative sources

Complete CVE record and remediation plan

The detailed catalog view below loads this exact record, its source evidence, and the full seven-phase agentic change plan.