CVE-2026-43455: mctp: route: hold key->lock in mctp_flow_prepare_output()

Published May 8, 2026
·
Updated

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

mctp: route: hold key->lock in mctpflowprepareoutput()

mctpflowprepareoutput() checks key->dev and may call mctpdevsetkey(), but it does not hold key->lock while doing so.

mctpdevsetkey() and mctpdevreleasekey() are annotated with musthold(&key->lock), so key->dev access is intended to be serialized by key->lock. The mctpsendmsg() transmit path reaches mctpflowprepareoutput() via mctplocaloutput() -> mctpdstoutput() without holding key->lock, so the check-and-set sequence is racy.

Example interleaving:

CPU0 CPU1 ---- ---- mctpflowprepareoutput(key, devA) if (!key->dev) // sees NULL mctpflowprepareoutput( key, devB) if (!key->dev) // still NULL mctpdevsetkey(devB, key) mctpdevhold(devB) key->dev = devB mctpdevsetkey(devA, key) mctpdevhold(devA) key->dev = devA // overwrites devB

Now both devA and devB references were acquired, but only the final key->dev value is tracked for release. One reference can be lost, causing a resource leak as mctpdevreleasekey() would only decrease the reference on one dev.

Fix by taking key->lock around the key->dev check and mctpdevsetkey() call.

Affected Software

9 affected components
Linux Linux kernel (mctp)
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.167
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.130
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.78
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.19
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.9
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc3

Event History

May 8, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:22 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:22 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43455?

CVE-2026-43455 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to improper locking in the mctp_flow_prepare_output() function.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43455?

To fix CVE-2026-43455, update to the latest version of the Linux kernel where this vulnerability is resolved.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-43455?

CVE-2026-43455 affects the Linux kernel implementations that utilize the MCTP (Management Component Transport Protocol) functionality.

4

What are the potential consequences of CVE-2026-43455?

Exploitation of CVE-2026-43455 may lead to data corruption or system crashes due to improper handling of device keys.

5

Is CVE-2026-43455 being actively exploited?

As of now, there are no reports indicating that CVE-2026-43455 is being actively exploited in the wild.

Contact

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