CVE-2026-53248

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: airoha: Fix use-after-free in metadata dst teardown airoha_metadata_dst_free() runs metadata_dst_free() which frees the metadata_dst with kfree() immediately, bypassing the RCU grace period. In the RX path, skb_dst_set_noref() sets a non-refcounted pointer from the skb to the metadata_dst. This function requires RCU read-side protection and the dst must remain valid until all RCU readers complete. Since metadata_dst_free() calls kfree() directly, an use-after-free can occur if any skb still holds a noref pointer to the dst when the driver tears it down. Replace metadata_dst_free() with dst_release() which properly goes through the refcount path: when the refcount drops to zero, it schedules the actual free via call_rcu_hurry(), ensuring all RCU readers have completed before the memory is freed.

CVSS v3.1 Score

8.8

HIGH

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

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

0.0039

Probability of exploitation

0.31%

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/4b5a574e033e66d2131eff1c18feef8d8643c67e https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6f829e2c17a53a35321268339cd252aff6d6d723 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b38cae85d1c45ff189d7ecb6ac36f41cdc3d84d0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-53248? +

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: airoha: Fix use-after-free in metadata dst teardown airoha_metadata_dst_free() runs metadata_dst_free() which frees the metadata_dst with kfree() immediately, bypassing the RCU grace period. In the RX path, skb_dst_set_noref() sets a non-refcounted pointer from the skb to the metadata_dst. This function requires RCU read-side protection and the dst must remain valid until all RCU readers complete. Since metadata_dst_free() calls kfree() directly, an use-after-free can occur if any skb still holds a noref pointer to the dst when the driver tears it down. Replace metadata_dst_free() with dst_release() which properly goes through the refcount path: when the refcount drops to zero, it schedules the actual free via call_rcu_hurry(), ensuring all RCU readers have completed before the memory is freed. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2026-53248? +

CVE-2026-53248 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 0.0039, placing it in the 0th percentile for exploitation probability.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-53248? +

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.