CVE-2026-46069
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Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel mwifiex WiFi Driver

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: wifi: mwifiex: fix use-after-free in mwifiex_adapter_cleanup() The mwifiex_adapter_cleanup() function uses timer_delete() (non-synchronous) for the wakeup_timer before the adapter structure is freed. This is incorrect because timer_delete() does not wait for any running timer callback to complete. If the wakeup_timer callback (wakeup_timer_fn) is executing when mwifiex_adapter_cleanup() is called, the callback will continue to access adapter fields (adapter->hw_status, adapter->if_ops.card_reset, etc.) which may be freed by mwifiex_free_adapter() called later in the mwifiex_remove_card() path. Use timer_delete_sync() instead to ensure any running timer callback has completed before returning.
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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-2026-46069
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32451
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *
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Exploitability
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's mwifiex driver, specifically in the mwifiex_adapter_cleanup() function. The issue arises because the function uses timer_delete(), which does not wait for any running timer callback to finish before freeing the adapter structure. If the wakeup_timer callback is running during cleanup, it may access adapter fields that have already been freed, leading to a use-after-free condition.

The correct approach is to use timer_delete_sync(), which ensures that any running timer callback completes before the adapter structure is freed, preventing this unsafe access.

Impact Analysis

This use-after-free vulnerability can lead to undefined behavior such as system crashes, memory corruption, or potential execution of arbitrary code within the kernel context. Such impacts can compromise system stability and security, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or cause denial of service.

Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability is caused by the use of timer_delete() instead of timer_delete_sync() in the mwifiex_adapter_cleanup() function in the Linux kernel's mwifiex driver.

To mitigate this vulnerability, update your Linux kernel to a version where this issue is fixed, ensuring that mwifiex_adapter_cleanup() uses timer_delete_sync() to properly wait for any running timer callbacks to complete before freeing the adapter structure.

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