CVE-2026-89636
Received Received - Intake

Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel SMB Client

Publication date: 2026-09-11

Last updated on: 2026-09-11

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: smb: client: clear ce->tgthint in free_tgts() When free_tgts() frees all structures in ce->tlist, ce->tgthint is left pointing to one of the freed cache_dfs_tgt structures. If ce->tgthint is not reset before it is used later, it results in a use-after-free. Set ce->tgthint to NULL in free_tgts() after the elements are freed to reflect that no elements remain.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-09-11
Last Modified
2026-09-11
Generated
2026-09-12
AI Q&A
2026-09-11
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-89636
EUVD
EUVD-2026-76548

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's SMB client. When the function free_tgts() frees cache entries, it leaves a pointer ce->tgthint pointing to freed memory. If this pointer is later used without being reset, it can lead to memory corruption or crashes.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's SMB client implementation. Detection requires checking if your system is running a vulnerable kernel version. Use uname -a to check the kernel version and compare it against patched versions.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could cause system instability, crashes, or potential privilege escalation if exploited. Systems using SMB client functionality may experience unexpected behavior or security issues.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest kernel updates from your Linux distribution to ensure the fix for CVE-2026-89636 is included. Restart services or the system if required after updating.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-89636. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart