CVE-2026-23185
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
Use-After-Free in Linux iwlwifi mld Component on Disconnection

Publication date: 2026-02-14

Last updated on: 2026-04-03

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: iwlwifi: mld: cancel mlo_scan_start_wk mlo_scan_start_wk is not canceled on disconnection. In fact, it is not canceled anywhere except in the restart cleanup, where we don't really have to. This can cause an init-after-queue issue: if, for example, the work was queued and then drv_change_interface got executed. This can also cause use-after-free: if the work is executed after the vif is freed.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-02-14
Last Modified
2026-04-03
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-02-14
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-23185
EUVD
EUVD-2026-5859
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 9 associated CPEs
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 6.19
linux linux_kernel 6.19
linux linux_kernel 6.19
linux linux_kernel From 6.17 (inc) to 6.18.10 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-416 The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's iwlwifi driver related to the mld (Multi-Link Device) functionality. Specifically, the function mlo_scan_start_wk is not properly canceled upon disconnection or in other scenarios except during restart cleanup. Because of this, there can be issues such as an init-after-queue problem if the work is queued and then the interface changes, and a use-after-free condition if the work executes after the virtual interface (vif) has been freed.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to use-after-free errors and race conditions in the Linux kernel's wireless driver. This can cause system instability, crashes, or potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by exploiting the improper handling of the work queue related to wireless interface changes.

Compliance Impact

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