CVE-2026-72451

Received Received - Intake

xfrm State Cache Race Condition in Linux Kernel

Publication date: 2026-08-15

Last updated on: 2026-08-17

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Fix xfrm state cache insertion race The xfrm input state cache insertion code checks the validity of the state before acquiring the global xfrm_state_lock. Thus it's possible for someone else to kill the state after it passed the validity check, and then the insertion will add the dead state to the cache. Fix this by moving the validity check inside the lock. This entire function is called on the input path, where BH must be off (e.g., the caller of this function xfrm_input acquires its spinlocks without disabling BH). So there is no need to disable BH here or take the RCU read lock. Remove both and replace them with an assertion that trips if BH is accidentally enabled on some future calling path.

CVSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-15

Last Modified

2026-08-17

Generated

2026-09-04

AI Q&A

2026-08-15

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-03

NVD

CVE-2026-72451

EUVD

EUVD-2026-59350

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
linux	linux_kernel	*

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a race condition in the xfrm state cache insertion mechanism. The code checks state validity before acquiring a lock, allowing another process to invalidate the state before insertion. This results in a dead state being added to the cache. The fix moves the validity check inside the lock to prevent this race.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's xfrm state cache insertion mechanism. Detection requires kernel-level inspection for race conditions in xfrm state handling. Check kernel logs for xfrm-related errors or warnings using: dmesg | grep xfrm. Monitor for crashes or unexpected behavior in network processing paths.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could lead to incorrect state handling in network packet processing, potentially causing crashes, data corruption, or security bypasses. Since it affects the input path, it may disrupt network services relying on xfrm for encryption or authentication.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar standards. It is a Linux kernel race condition in the xfrm state cache insertion mechanism that could lead to incorrect state handling during packet processing. No evidence suggests it impacts data protection, encryption, or access control required by these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest kernel patch from your Linux distribution that addresses this issue. If patching is not immediately possible, restrict network operations to trusted sources and monitor for suspicious activity. Ensure kernel logging is enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts.

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