CVE-2026-23216: scsi: target: iscsi: Fix use-after-free in iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
scsi: target: iscsi: Fix use-after-free in iscsitdecconnusagecount()
In iscsitdecconnusagecount(), the function calls complete() while holding the conn->connusagelock. As soon as complete() is invoked, the waiter (such as iscsitcloseconnection()) may wake up and proceed to free the iscsitconn structure.
If the waiter frees the memory before the current thread reaches spinunlockbh(), it results in a KASAN slab-use-after-free as the function attempts to release a lock within the already-freed connection structure.
Fix this by releasing the spinlock before calling complete().
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Configuration
Modify iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count() so it releases the conn_usage_lock (via spin_unlock_bh()) before calling complete(), preventing KASAN slab-use-after-free when a waiter frees the iscsit_conn structure early.
Linux kernel (scsi target iscsi) spinlock release order in iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count() = Release conn->conn_usage_lock spinlock (spin_unlock_bh()) before invoking complete()
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-23216?
CVE-2026-23216 has been classified with a medium severity due to potential use-after-free vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23216?
To fix CVE-2026-23216, update your Linux kernel to the latest stable version where the vulnerability has been patched.
What components are affected by CVE-2026-23216?
CVE-2026-23216 affects the SCSI target implementation in the Linux kernel, particularly the iscsi subsystem.
Is there any exploit available for CVE-2026-23216?
As of now, there are no publicly disclosed exploits specifically targeting CVE-2026-23216.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-23216?
The potential impacts of CVE-2026-23216 include system instability or crashes due to use-after-free conditions in connection handling.