CVE-2026-46180
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel WiFi Driver

Publication date: 2026-05-28

Last updated on: 2026-06-11

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: brcmfmac: Fix potential use-after-free issue when stopping watchdog task Watchdog task might end between send_sig() and kthread_stop() calls, what results in the use-after-free issue. Fix this by increasing watchdog task reference count before calling send_sig() and dropping it by switching to kthread_stop_put().
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-28
Last Modified
2026-06-11
Generated
2026-06-17
AI Q&A
2026-05-28
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-16
NVD
EUVD
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 7.1
linux linux_kernel 7.1
linux linux_kernel From 6.13 (inc) to 6.18.30 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 7.0.7 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.7 (inc) to 6.12.88 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 3.3 (inc) to 6.6.140 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
KEV Icon
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 Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.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 is a use-after-free issue in the Linux kernel's brcmfmac wifi driver. It occurs when the watchdog task stops between the send_sig() and kthread_stop() calls, which can lead to accessing memory that has already been freed.

The fix involves increasing the watchdog task's reference count before calling send_sig() and then properly dropping it by switching to kthread_stop_put(), preventing the use-after-free condition.

Impact Analysis

A use-after-free vulnerability can lead to undefined behavior such as system crashes, data corruption, or potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

In this case, exploitation could affect the stability and security of the Linux system's wifi functionality, possibly leading to denial of service or privilege escalation.

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