CVE-2026-45951
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel BPF Subsystem

Publication date: 2026-05-27

Last updated on: 2026-06-16

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix a potential use-after-free of BTF object Refcounting in the check_pseudo_btf_id() function is incorrect: the __check_pseudo_btf_id() function might get called with a zero refcounted btf. Fix this, and patch related code accordingly. v3: rephrase a comment (AI) v2: fix a refcount leak introduced in v1 (AI)
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-27
Last Modified
2026-06-16
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-27
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-45951
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32235
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 6.19.4 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.14 (inc) to 6.18.14 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-416 The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) subsystem. It involves a potential use-after-free issue related to BTF (BPF Type Format) objects. Specifically, the problem arises because the reference counting in the check_pseudo_btf_id() function is incorrect. The __check_pseudo_btf_id() function might be called with a BTF object that has a zero reference count, leading to unsafe use of freed memory. The vulnerability has been fixed by correcting the reference counting and patching related code.

Impact Analysis

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel can lead to undefined behavior, including system crashes, data corruption, or potential escalation of privileges. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by manipulating BPF objects improperly referenced in kernel memory.

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