CVE-2026-23271
Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress
Race Condition in Linux Kernel perf Event Overflow Handling

Publication date: 2026-03-20

Last updated on: 2026-05-22

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf: Fix __perf_event_overflow() vs perf_remove_from_context() race Make sure that __perf_event_overflow() runs with IRQs disabled for all possible callchains. Specifically the software events can end up running it with only preemption disabled. This opens up a race vs perf_event_exit_event() and friends that will go and free various things the overflow path expects to be present, like the BPF program.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-03-20
Last Modified
2026-05-22
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-20
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-23271
EUVD
EUVD-2026-13605
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 6.19.7 (exc)
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel From 6.13 (inc) to 6.18.17 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.2 (inc) to 6.6.130 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.7 (inc) to 6.12.77 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 2.6.31 (inc) to 6.1.167 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-362 The product contains a concurrent code sequence that requires temporary, exclusive access to a shared resource, but a timing window exists in which the shared resource can be modified by another code sequence operating concurrently.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's perf subsystem. It involves a race condition between the __perf_event_overflow() function and perf_remove_from_context() (and related functions). Specifically, __perf_event_overflow() may run with interrupts disabled only in some callchains, but in others it runs with only preemption disabled. This inconsistency can cause a race condition with perf_event_exit_event() and similar functions that free resources expected to be present during the overflow path, such as the BPF program.

Impact Analysis

The race condition can lead to use-after-free or other memory corruption issues within the perf subsystem of the Linux kernel. This could potentially cause system instability, crashes, or unexpected behavior when performance events are being handled. It may also affect the reliability of BPF programs that rely on these events.

Compliance Impact

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