CVE-2026-68414
Received Received - Intake

Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel cfg80211

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: cfg80211: cancel sched scan results work on unregister cfg80211_sched_scan_results() can queue rdev->sched_scan_res_wk from a driver result notification while a scheduled scan request is present. The work callback recovers the containing cfg80211_registered_device and then locks the wiphy and walks the scheduled-scan request list. wiphy_unregister() already makes the wiphy unreachable and drains rdev work items before cfg80211_dev_free() can release the object, but it does not drain sched_scan_res_wk. A queued or running result work item can therefore cross the unregister/free boundary and access freed rdev state. The buggy scenario involves two paths, with each column showing the order within that path: scheduled-scan result path: unregister/free path: 1. cfg80211_sched_scan_results() 1. interface teardown stops and queues rdev->sched_scan_res_wk. removes the scheduled scan request. 2. cfg80211_wq starts the work 2. wiphy_unregister() drains other item and recovers rdev. rdev work items. 3. The worker locks rdev->wiphy 3. cfg80211_dev_free() destroys and and walks rdev state. frees rdev. Cancel sched_scan_res_wk in wiphy_unregister() alongside the other rdev work items. cancel_work_sync() removes a pending result notification and waits for an already running callback, so cfg80211_dev_free() cannot free rdev while this work item is still active. Validation reproduced this kernel report: BUG: KASAN: use-after-free in cfg80211_sched_scan_results_wk+0x4a6/0x530 Workqueue: cfg80211 cfg80211_sched_scan_results_wk [cfg80211] Read of size 8 Call trace: dump_stack_lvl+0x66/0xa0 print_report+0xce/0x630 cfg80211_sched_scan_results_wk+0x4a6/0x530 srso_alias_return_thunk+0x5/0xfbef5 __virt_addr_valid+0x224/0x430 kasan_report+0xac/0xe0 lockdep_hardirqs_on_prepare+0xea/0x1a0 process_one_work+0x8d0/0x18f0 (kernel/workqueue.c:3212) lock_is_held_type+0x8f/0x100 worker_thread+0x5ad/0xfd0 __kthread_parkme+0xc6/0x200 kthread+0x31e/0x410 trace_hardirqs_on+0x1a/0x170 ret_from_fork+0x576/0x810 __switch_to+0x57e/0xe20 __switch_to_asm+0x33/0x70 ret_from_fork_asm+0x1a/0x30

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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-2026-68414
EUVD
EUVD-2026-55600

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 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's wifi configuration subsystem (cfg80211). It occurs when scheduled scan results work is queued after a scheduled scan request is removed during interface teardown. The work item may access freed memory when the device is unregistered and freed.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's cfg80211 subsystem and may not have direct detection commands. Monitor kernel logs for use-after-free errors or crashes related to cfg80211_sched_scan_results_wk. Check for kernel warnings during scheduled scan operations or interface teardown.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could cause system crashes or instability by triggering a use-after-free condition. An attacker with local access might exploit it to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to full system compromise or denial of service.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel security updates to patch this issue. If immediate patching is not possible, avoid using scheduled scan features or disable wireless interfaces until the update is applied. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates addressing this CVE.

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