CVE-2026-43394
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Credential Reference Leak in Linux Kernel NFS Daemon

Publication date: 2026-05-08

Last updated on: 2026-05-26

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nfsd: Fix cred ref leak in nfsd_nl_listener_set_doit(). nfsd_nl_listener_set_doit() uses get_current_cred() without put_cred(). As we can see from other callers, svc_xprt_create_from_sa() does not require the extra refcount. nfsd_nl_listener_set_doit() is always in the process context, sendmsg(), and current->cred does not go away. Let's use current_cred() in nfsd_nl_listener_set_doit().
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
Probability:
Percentile:
Meta Information
Published
2026-05-08
Last Modified
2026-05-26
Generated
2026-06-19
AI Q&A
2026-05-08
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-18
NVD
CVE-2026-43394
EUVD
EUVD-2026-28700
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 5 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel From 6.13 (inc) to 6.18.19 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 6.19.9 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.10 (inc) to 6.12.78 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-401 The product does not sufficiently track and release allocated memory after it has been used, making the memory unavailable for reallocation and reuse.
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Quick Actions
Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a credential reference leak in the Linux kernel's NFS daemon (nfsd) specifically in the function nfsd_nl_listener_set_doit(). The function uses get_current_cred() to obtain credentials but does not properly release them with put_cred(), causing a reference count leak.

The issue arises because nfsd_nl_listener_set_doit() uses get_current_cred() without a corresponding put_cred(), unlike other callers such as svc_xprt_create_from_sa() which do not require the extra reference count. The fix involves using current_cred() instead, which does not increase the reference count and avoids the leak.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability causes a credential reference leak in the kernel, which can lead to resource leakage over time. This may result in increased memory usage or exhaustion of credential references, potentially degrading system performance or stability.

Chat Assistant
Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-43394. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70
EPSS Chart