CVE-2026-23440: net/mlx5e: Fix race condition during IPSec ESN update

Published Apr 3, 2026
·
Updated

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

net/mlx5e: Fix race condition during IPSec ESN update

In IPSec full offload mode, the device reports an ESN (Extended Sequence Number) wrap event to the driver. The driver validates this event by querying the IPSec ASO and checking that the esneventarm field is 0x0, which indicates an event has occurred. After handling the event, the driver must re-arm the context by setting esneventarm back to 0x1.

A race condition exists in this handling path. After validating the event, the driver calls mlx5accelespmodifyxfrm() to update the kernel's xfrm state. This function temporarily releases and re-acquires the xfrm state lock.

So, need to acknowledge the event first by setting esneventarm to 0x1. This prevents the driver from reprocessing the same ESN update if the hardware sends events for other reason. Since the next ESN update only occurs after nearly 2^31 packets are received, there's no risk of missing an update, as it will happen long after this handling has finished.

Processing the event twice causes the ESN high-order bits (esnmsb) to be incremented incorrectly. The driver then programs the hardware with this invalid ESN state, which leads to anti-replay failures and a complete halt of IPSec traffic.

Fix this by re-arming the ESN event immediately after it is validated, before calling mlx5accelespmodifyxfrm(). This ensures that any spurious, duplicate events are correctly ignored, closing the race window.

Affected Software

13 affected components
Linux Linux kernel (mlx5e)
Linux Linux kernel>=6.4.1<6.6.130
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.78
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.20
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.10
Linux Linux kernel=6.4
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc7

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Configuration

    Acknowledge the ESN wrap event by querying the IPSec ASO and checking that esn_event_arm is 0x0 (event occurred). After validating the event, re-arm the ESN event immediately by re-setting esn_event_arm so the driver does not reprocess the same ESN update and so ESN MSB (esn_msb) does not wrap incorrectly.

    Linux kernel mlx5e IPSec ESN update path esn_event_arm = 0x0 / re-arm after validation

Event History

Apr 3, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:15 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-23440?

The severity of CVE-2026-23440 is currently classified as moderate due to the potential for a race condition during IPSec ESN updates.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-23440?

To fix CVE-2026-23440, you should upgrade to the latest version of the Linux kernel that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2026-23440?

CVE-2026-23440 affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel, primarily those between 6.4.1 and 6.19.10, as well as 7.0 release candidates.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2026-23440?

The impact of CVE-2026-23440 may allow a local attacker to exploit a race condition that could disrupt IPSec operations.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-23440?

There are no documented workarounds for CVE-2026-23440, so the recommended action is to apply the kernel updates as soon as possible.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203