CVE-2026-23357
Received Received - Intake
Deadlock Vulnerability in Linux Kernel MCP251x CAN Driver

Publication date: 2026-03-25

Last updated on: 2026-04-24

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: can: mcp251x: fix deadlock in error path of mcp251x_open The mcp251x_open() function call free_irq() in its error path with the mpc_lock mutex held. But if an interrupt already occurred the interrupt handler will be waiting for the mpc_lock and free_irq() will deadlock waiting for the handler to finish. This issue is similar to the one fixed in commit 7dd9c26bd6cf ("can: mcp251x: fix deadlock if an interrupt occurs during mcp251x_open") but for the error path. To solve this issue move the call to free_irq() after the lock is released. Setting `priv->force_quit = 1` beforehand ensure that the IRQ handler will exit right away once it acquired the lock.
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
Probability:
Percentile:
Meta Information
Published
2026-03-25
Last Modified
2026-04-24
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-03-25
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-23357
EUVD
EUVD-2026-15332
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 15 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 2.6.34
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 6.19.7 (exc)
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
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 2.6.34.1 (inc) to 5.10.253 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-667 The product does not properly acquire or release a lock on a resource, leading to unexpected resource state changes and behaviors.
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Quick Actions
Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's mcp251x driver, specifically in the mcp251x_open() function. The issue occurs because free_irq() is called while holding the mpc_lock mutex. If an interrupt happens at the same time, the interrupt handler waits for the mpc_lock, and free_irq() waits for the interrupt handler to finish, causing a deadlock.

The problem is similar to a previously fixed issue but affects the error path of mcp251x_open(). The fix involves moving the free_irq() call to after the lock is released and setting a flag (priv->force_quit = 1) to ensure the interrupt handler exits immediately once it acquires the lock.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause a deadlock in the Linux kernel when using the mcp251x driver. A deadlock means that the system or affected process could hang or become unresponsive, potentially leading to system instability or denial of service in environments relying on this driver.

Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability is caused by a deadlock in the mcp251x_open() function in the Linux kernel when free_irq() is called with the mpc_lock mutex held.

To mitigate this issue, update your Linux kernel to a version where this vulnerability is fixed. The fix involves moving the call to free_irq() after the lock is released and setting priv->force_quit = 1 beforehand to ensure the IRQ handler exits immediately once it acquires the lock.

Chat Assistant
Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-23357. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70
EPSS Chart