CVE-2026-23024: idpf: fix memory leak of flow steer list on rmmod
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
idpf: fix memory leak of flow steer list on rmmod
The flow steering list maintains entries that are added and removed as ethtool creates and deletes flow steering rules. Module removal with active entries causes memory leak as the list is not properly cleaned up.
Prevent this by iterating through the remaining entries in the list and freeing the associated memory during module removal. Add a spinlock (flowsteerlistlock) to protect the list access from multiple threads.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Compensating control
Protect the flow steering list with a spinlock (flow_steer_list_lock), and during module removal iterate through the remaining entries and free their associated memory.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-23024?
CVE-2026-23024 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on system performance.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23024?
To fix CVE-2026-23024, ensure that your Linux kernel is updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-23024?
CVE-2026-23024 affects the Linux kernel, specifically in scenarios involving flow steering list maintenance during module removal.
What are the potential consequences of CVE-2026-23024?
The potential consequences of CVE-2026-23024 include memory leaks that could lead to degraded system performance over time.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-23024?
While the best practice is to apply the kernel update, temporarily avoiding the use of netlink-based tools may help mitigate the symptoms of this vulnerability.