CVE-2026-68410
Received Received - Intake

Memory Leak in Linux Kernel Libertas WiFi Driver

Publication date: 2026-08-10

Last updated on: 2026-08-10

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: libertas: fix memory leak in helper_firmware_cb() helper_firmware_cb() neglects to free the single-stage firmware image after a successful async load, leading to a memory leak in the USB firmware-download path. Fix this memory leak by calling release_firmware() immediately after lbs_fw_loaded() returns. The bug was first flagged by an experimental analysis tool we are developing for kernel memory-management bugs while analyzing v6.13-rc1. The tool is still under development and is not yet publicly available. Manual inspection confirms that the bug is still present in the current wireless tree. An x86_64 allyesconfig build showed no new warnings. As we do not have compatible Libertas USB hardware for exercising this firmware-download path, no runtime testing was able to be performed.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-10
Last Modified
2026-08-10
Generated
2026-08-10
AI Q&A
2026-08-10
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-68410
EUVD
EUVD-2026-55596

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux_kernel libertas *

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This is a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Libertas WiFi driver. The helper_firmware_cb() function fails to free firmware memory after loading it, causing a memory leak in the USB firmware-download path.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's Libertas USB wifi driver and involves a memory leak in the firmware-download path. Detection requires checking for memory leaks in the kernel related to the libertas module. Use commands like 'dmesg | grep libertas' to check for errors or warnings, or monitor memory usage with 'cat /proc/meminfo' for unusual consumption patterns.

Impact Analysis

The memory leak could gradually consume system memory over time, potentially leading to performance degradation or system instability if the WiFi driver is frequently used.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the kernel patch that adds a call to release_firmware() after lbs_fw_loaded() in the libertas driver. Update your Linux kernel to a version that includes this fix. If updating is not immediately possible, consider disabling the Libertas USB wifi driver if it is not in use.

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