CVE-2026-10671: User thread can re-initialize an in-use `k_pipe`, corrupting kernel wait queues (`CONFIG_USERSPACE`)
In Zephyr's kernel pipe implementation, the userspace syscall verifier zvrfykpipeinit() in kernel/pipe.c used KSYSCALLOBJ() (which requires the kernel object to already be initialized) instead of KSYSCALLOBJNEVERINIT() (which rejects an already-initialized object). As a result, on CONFIGUSERSPACE builds an unprivileged user thread that has been granted access to a kpipe object can invoke the kpipeinit syscall to re-initialize a pipe that is already in use.
zimplkpipeinit() unconditionally resets the ring buffer, sets pipe->waiting to 0, and re-initializes both wait queues (zwaitqinit on pipe->data and pipe->space) without waking or accounting for threads currently blocked on the pipe. Any thread already pended in kpiperead()/kpipewrite() is left orphaned: still marked pending with pendedon pointing at the cleared wait queue and with stale qnodedlist links into the (now re-initialized) embedded list head.
When such an orphaned waiter is later timed out or woken, the scheduler calls sysdlistremove() on its stale node, writing through dangling prev/next pointers into kernel wait-queue/scheduler structures, causing list corruption (an attacker-driven invalid kernel write), lost wakeups, indefinitely blocked threads, and silent data loss. The flaw lets a deprivileged user thread corrupt the state of a kernel object shared with other threads/partitions.
The fix switches the verifier to KSYSCALLOBJNEVERINIT(), matching the existing kmsgqinit verifier, so a user thread can no longer re-initialize a live pipe. The vulnerable code shipped in v4.1.0 and remained through v4.4.0.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Zephyr kernel pipe implementation (kernel/pipe.c)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in v4.1.0 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Zephyr kernel pipe implementation (kernel/pipe.c)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in v4.4.0 - Configuration
In z_vrfy_k_pipe_init(), switch the verifier to use K_SYSCALL_OBJ_NEVER_INIT() instead of K_SYSCALL_OBJ(), so an already-initialized k_pipe object (including a live pipe) cannot be re-initialized by a user thread on CONFIG_USERSPACE builds.
Zephyr userspace syscall verifier (z_vrfy_k_pipe_init in kernel/pipe.c) K_SYSCALL_OBJ vs K_SYSCALL_OBJ_NEVER_INIT = K_SYSCALL_OBJ_NEVER_INIT
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-10671?
The severity of CVE-2026-10671 is rated as high with a score of 7.1.
How do I fix CVE-2026-10671?
To fix CVE-2026-10671, ensure that the k_pipe is not re-initialized while in use, and apply patches that utilize K_SYSCALL_OBJ_NEVER_INIT() instead.
What impact does CVE-2026-10671 have on systems?
CVE-2026-10671 can lead to kernel wait queue corruption, which may result in system instability or crashes.
Which systems are affected by CVE-2026-10671?
CVE-2026-10671 affects systems running the Zephyr operating system with CONFIG_USERSPACE enabled.
When was CVE-2026-10671 published?
CVE-2026-10671 was published on July 14, 2026.