CVE-2026-97584
Received Received - Intake

Incorrect Free in Candidate Cleanup in Linux Kernel AFS

Publication date: 2026-09-25

Last updated on: 2026-09-25

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: afs: Fix incorrect free in candidate cleanup in afs_lookup_server() Fix afs_lookup_server() to not free an existing server's endpoint state when cleaning up a candidate server. The candidate record doesn't have an endpoint state yet at this point, so the free for that can just be removed.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-25
Last Modified
2026-09-25
Generated
2026-09-25
AI Q&A
2026-09-25
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-97584
EUVD
EUVD-2026-86892

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 vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a bug in the AFS (Andrew File System) module. Specifically, it occurs in the afs_lookup_server() function where an incorrect free operation happens during candidate server cleanup. The function mistakenly attempts to free an endpoint state for a candidate server that does not yet have one, leading to a potential memory management issue.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's AFS (Andrew File System) module. Detection requires checking kernel logs for errors related to afs_lookup_server() or candidate server cleanup. Use commands like dmesg | grep afs or journalctl -k | grep afs to inspect kernel logs for AFS-related errors.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could lead to system instability or crashes if exploited. It may cause memory corruption or unexpected behavior in the AFS module, potentially disrupting file system operations or services relying on AFS. Users running affected Linux kernel versions should apply the patch to mitigate risks.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for CVE-2026-97584. If immediate patching is not possible, disable the AFS module by running modprobe -r afs or blacklist the module in /etc/modprobe.d/.

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