CVE-2026-45972
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Use-After-Free and Double Free in Linux Kernel SMB Client

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: smb: client: fix potential UAF and double free in smb2_open_file() Zero out @err_iov and @err_buftype before retrying SMB2_open() to prevent an UAF bug if @data != NULL, otherwise a double free.
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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-2026-45972
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32256
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 6.19
linux linux_kernel From 6.12.70 (inc) to 6.12.75 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.1.163 (inc) to 6.1.165 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.18.10 (inc) to 6.18.14 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.19.1 (inc) to 6.19.4 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.6.124 (inc) to 6.6.128 (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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.
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Impact Analysis

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to memory corruption in the Linux kernel SMB client. This may result in system instability, crashes, or potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, depending on the context and exploitability.

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's SMB client, specifically in the smb2_open_file() function. It involves a potential use-after-free (UAF) and double free issue. The problem occurs because certain variables (@err_iov and @err_buftype) were not properly zeroed out before retrying the SMB2_open() operation. If the @data pointer is not NULL, this can lead to a use-after-free bug; otherwise, it can cause a double free.

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