CVE-2026-43027: netfilter: nf_conntrack_helper: pass helper to expect cleanup
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: nfconntrackhelper: pass helper to expect cleanup
nfconntrackhelperunregister() calls nfctexpectiteratedestroy() to remove expectations belonging to the helper being unregistered. However, it passes NULL instead of the helper pointer as the data argument, so expectiterme() never matches any expectation and all of them survive the cleanup.
After unregister returns, nfnlcthelperdel() frees the helper object immediately. Subsequent expectation dumps or packet-driven initconntrack() calls then dereference the freed exp->helper, causing a use-after-free.
Pass the actual helper pointer so expectations referencing it are properly destroyed before the helper object is freed.
BUG: KASAN: slab-use-after-free in string+0x38f/0x430 Read of size 1 at addr ffff888003b14d20 by task poc/103 Call Trace: string+0x38f/0x430 vsnprintf+0x3cc/0x1170 seqprintf+0x17a/0x240 expseqshow+0x2e5/0x560 seqreaditer+0x419/0x1280 procregread+0x1ac/0x270 vfsread+0x179/0x930 ksysread+0xef/0x1c0 Freed by task 103: The buggy address is located 32 bytes inside of freed 192-byte region [ffff888003b14d00, ffff888003b14dc0)
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-43027?
CVE-2026-43027 is considered a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on the kernel's networking stack.
How do I fix CVE-2026-43027?
To mitigate CVE-2026-43027, update your Linux kernel to the latest version where this vulnerability has been resolved.
What does CVE-2026-43027 affect?
CVE-2026-43027 affects the Linux kernel's netfilter component, particularly the nf_conntrack_helper functionality.
Can CVE-2026-43027 be exploited?
Yes, if unpatched, CVE-2026-43027 can be exploited to affect the stability and security of the affected systems.
When was CVE-2026-43027 disclosed?
CVE-2026-43027 was disclosed as part of an update addressing vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel.