CVE-2026-45837: bpf: Fix use-after-free in arena_vm_close on fork

Published May 27, 2026
·
Updated

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

bpf: Fix use-after-free in arenavmclose on fork

arenavmopen() only bumps vml->mmapcount but never registers the child VMA in arena->vmalist. The vml->vma always points at the parent VMA, so after parent munmap the pointer dangles. If the child then calls bpfarenafreepages(), zappages() reads the stale vml->vma triggering use-after-free.

Fix this by preventing the arena VMA from being inherited across fork with VMDONTCOPY, and preventing VMA splits via the maysplit callback.

Also reject mremap with a .mremap callback returning -EINVAL. A same-size mremap(MREMAPFIXED) on the full arena VMA reaches copyvma() through the following path:

checkprepvma() - returns 0 early: newlen == oldlen skips VMDONTEXPAND check prepmovevma() - vmstart == oldaddr and vmend == oldaddr + oldlen so maysplit is never called movevma() copyvmaanddata() copyvma() vmareadup() - copies vmprivatedata (vml pointer) vmops->open() - bumps vml->mmapcount vmops->mremap() - returns -EINVAL, rollback unmaps new VMA

The refcount ensures the rollback's arenavmclose does not free the vml shared with the original VMA.

Affected Software

4 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.9<6.12.88
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.30
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<7.0.7

Event History

May 27, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:24 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:24 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:16 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-45837?

The severity of CVE-2026-45837 is rated at risk level 51.

2

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-45837?

CVE-2026-45837 is categorized as a Use After Free vulnerability.

3

How does CVE-2026-45837 affect the Linux kernel?

CVE-2026-45837 affects the Linux kernel by causing a use-after-free condition in the arena_vm_close function during fork operations.

4

How do I fix CVE-2026-45837?

To fix CVE-2026-45837, you should apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address this use-after-free vulnerability.

5

In which Linux kernel versions is CVE-2026-45837 present?

The specific Linux kernel versions affected by CVE-2026-45837 can be determined by checking the security advisories related to the published date of May 27, 2026.

Contact

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