CVE-2026-23255: net: add proper RCU protection to /proc/net/ptype

Published Mar 18, 2026
·
Updated

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

net: add proper RCU protection to /proc/net/ptype

Yin Fengwei reported an RCU stall in ptypeseqshow() and provided a patch.

Real issue is that ptypeseqnext() and ptypeseqshow() violate RCU rules.

ptypeseqshow() runs under rcureadlock(), and reads pt->dev to get device name without any barrier.

At the same time, concurrent writers can remove a packettype structure (which is correctly freed after an RCU grace period) and clear pt->dev without an RCU grace period.

Define ptypeiterstate to carry a dev pointer along seqnetprivate:

struct ptypeiterstate { struct seqnetprivate p; struct netdevice dev; // added in this patch };

We need to record the device pointer in ptypegetidx() and ptypeseqnext() so that ptypeseqshow() is safe against concurrent pt->dev changes.

We also need to add full RCU protection in ptypeseqnext(). (Missing READONCE() when reading list.next values)

Many thanks to Dong Chenchen for providing a repro.

Affected Software

18 affected componentsFixes available
linux/kernel
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.134.1-2
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.12.1<6.6.136
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.80
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.10
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc5
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

Mar 18, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:41 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:41 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 20, 2026
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:01 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:01 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:01 AM
DescriptionSeverity
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-23255?

The severity of CVE-2026-23255 is rated as medium due to potential stability issues.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-23255?

To fix CVE-2026-23255, ensure you update to the latest patched version of the Linux kernel.

3

What components are affected by CVE-2026-23255?

CVE-2026-23255 affects the Linux kernel specifically related to the /proc/net/ptype interface.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-23255?

CVE-2026-23255 is characterized as an RCU stall vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

5

Who reported CVE-2026-23255?

CVE-2026-23255 was reported by Yin Fengwei.

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