CVE-2026-23060
Null Pointer Dereference DoS in Linux Kernel authencesn Module
Publication date: 2026-02-04
Last updated on: 2026-03-13
Assigner: kernel.org
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.19 |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.19 |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.19 |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.19 |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.19 |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 5.11 (inc) to 5.15.199 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 5.16 (inc) to 6.1.162 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.2 (inc) to 6.6.122 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.7 (inc) to 6.12.68 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 4.3 (inc) to 5.10.249 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.13 (inc) to 6.18.8 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.19 |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-476 | The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's crypto module, specifically in the authencesn component which handles authentication for ESP/ESN-formatted Additional Authenticated Data (AAD). The issue arises when the length of the AAD (assoclen) is shorter than the minimum expected length of 8 bytes. In such cases, the function crypto_authenc_esn_decrypt() can read beyond the intended memory boundary, causing a NULL pointer dereference in scatterwalk_map_and_copy(). This results in a kernel panic, effectively causing a denial of service (DoS).
The vulnerability is addressed by adding a minimum AAD length check to reject inputs that are too short, preventing the invalid memory access.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can cause a denial of service (DoS) on affected Linux systems by triggering a kernel panic. An attacker could exploit this by providing specially crafted inputs with too-short AAD, causing the system to crash or become unresponsive.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
I don't know