CVE-2026-23291
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel NFC pn533 USB Interface on Disconnect

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-23291, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-03-25

Last updated on: 2026-05-29

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nfc: pn533: properly drop the usb interface reference on disconnect When the device is disconnected from the driver, there is a "dangling" reference count on the usb interface that was grabbed in the probe callback. Fix this up by properly dropping the reference after we are done with it.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published
2026-03-25
Last Modified
2026-05-29
Generated
2026-07-06
AI Q&A
2026-03-25
EPSS Evaluated
2026-07-05
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 8 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 5.11 (inc) to 5.15.203 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 5.16 (inc) to 6.1.167 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 3.1 (inc) to 5.10.253 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's NFC driver for the pn533 device. When the device is disconnected from the driver, the USB interface reference that was acquired during the probe callback is not properly released. This results in a "dangling" reference count on the USB interface.

The issue is fixed by ensuring that the USB interface reference is properly dropped after it is no longer needed, preventing the dangling reference.

Impact Analysis

A dangling reference count on a USB interface can lead to resource leaks or instability in the kernel's handling of USB devices. This may cause unexpected behavior or crashes when the NFC device is disconnected.

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