CVE-2026-23012: mm/damon/core: remove call_control in inactive contexts

Published Jan 25, 2026
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

mm/damon/core: remove callcontrol in inactive contexts

If damoncall() is executed against a DAMON context that is not running, the function returns error while keeping the damoncallcontrol object linked to the context's callcontrols list. Let's suppose the object is deallocated after the damoncall(), and yet another damoncall() is executed against the same context. The function tries to add the new damoncallcontrol object to the callcontrols list, which still has the pointer to the previous damoncallcontrol object, which is deallocated. As a result, use-after-free happens.

This can actually be triggered using the DAMON sysfs interface. It is not easily exploitable since it requires the sysfs write permission and making a definitely weird file writes, though. Please refer to the report for more details about the issue reproduction steps.

Fix the issue by making two changes. Firstly, move the final kdamondcall() for cancelling all existing damoncall() requests from terminating DAMON context to be done before the ctx->kdamond reset. This makes any code that sees NULL ctx->kdamond can safely assume the context may not access damoncall() requests anymore. Secondly, let damoncall() to cleanup the damoncallcontrol objects that were added to the already-terminated DAMON context, before returning the error.

Affected Software

11 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.17.1<6.18.7
Linux Linux kernel=6.17
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc7
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc8

Event History

Jan 25, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:36 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:36 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-23012?

CVE-2026-23012 has been classified as a low severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-23012?

To fix CVE-2026-23012, you should update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-23012?

CVE-2026-23012 affects various distributions of the Linux kernel.

4

What are the implications of CVE-2026-23012?

The implications of CVE-2026-23012 include potential errors when executing damon_call() in inactive DAMON contexts.

5

Is CVE-2026-23012 remotely exploitable?

CVE-2026-23012 is not considered to be remotely exploitable.

Contact

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