CVE-2026-53240

Description

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).

CVSS v3.1 Score

8.8

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

0.0042

Probability of exploitation

0.34%

Percentile rank

EPSS estimates the probability that this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. A higher score means more likely to be exploited.

References

Other References

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8d9a79fbf5172d9c4c0146057af2360913265a11 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/eb48730bb827d1550401a5d391903f9d90b493c8 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ff2ee35b6ce5fa8a8e24ea50b15733d5c8780198

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-53240? +

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). It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2026-53240? +

CVE-2026-53240 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching. The EPSS score is 0.0042, placing it in the 0th percentile for exploitation probability.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-53240? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.