CVE-2026-45887
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Memory Leak in Linux Kernel Unix Stream Connect

Publication date: 2026-05-27

Last updated on: 2026-05-27

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: af_unix: Fix memleak of newsk in unix_stream_connect(). When prepare_peercred() fails in unix_stream_connect(), unix_release_sock() is not called for newsk, and the memory is leaked. Let's move prepare_peercred() before unix_create1().
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-27
Last Modified
2026-05-27
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-27
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-45887
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32353
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *
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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 AF_UNIX socket implementation. Specifically, when the function prepare_peercred() fails during the unix_stream_connect() process, the function unix_release_sock() is not called for the new socket (newsk), which causes a memory leak.

The fix involves moving the call to prepare_peercred() before unix_create1() to ensure proper cleanup and prevent the memory leak.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to a memory leak in the Linux kernel when certain socket connection operations fail. Over time, this memory leak could cause increased memory usage, potentially degrading system performance or leading to resource exhaustion.

Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability is a memory leak in the Linux kernel's af_unix subsystem caused by improper handling in unix_stream_connect().

To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update your Linux kernel to a version where this issue is fixed, as the patch involves moving prepare_peercred() before unix_create1() to ensure proper cleanup.

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