CVE-2026-46196: tracepoint: balance regfunc() on func_add() failure in tracepoint_add_func()

Published May 28, 2026
·
Updated

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

tracepoint: balance regfunc() on funcadd() failure in tracepointaddfunc()

When a tracepoint goes through the 0 -> 1 transition, tracepointaddfunc() invokes the subsystem's ext->regfunc() before attempting to install the new probe via funcadd(). If funcadd() then fails (for example, when allocateprobes() cannot allocate a new probe array under memory pressure and returns -ENOMEM), the function returns the error without calling the matching ext->unregfunc(), leaving the side effects of regfunc() behind with no installed probe to justify them.

For syscall tracepoints this is particularly unpleasant: syscallregfunc() bumps systracepointrefcount and sets SYSCALLTRACEPOINT on every task. After a leaked failure, the refcount is stuck at a non-zero value with no consumer, and every task continues paying the syscall trace entry/exit overhead until reboot. Other subsystems providing regfunc()/unregfunc() pairs exhibit similarly scoped persistent state.

Mirror the existing 1 -> 0 cleanup and call ext->unregfunc() in the funcadd() error path, gated on the same condition used there so the unwind is symmetric with the registration.

Affected Software

6 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=4.10<6.6.140
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.88
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.30
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<7.0.7
Microsoft azl3 kernel 6.6.139.1-1<6.6.141.1-1
6.6.141.1-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.6.141.1-1

Event History

May 28, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:36 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:36 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:16 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
May 29, 2026
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:05 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·08:05 AM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·08:05 AM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-46196?

CVE-2026-46196 is assigned a risk score of 23, indicating a significant security concern.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-46196?

To mitigate CVE-2026-46196, update your Linux kernel to a version that includes the security patch addressing this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-46196?

CVE-2026-46196 affects the Linux kernel and its related Tracepoint functionality.

4

What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2026-46196?

CVE-2026-46196 is related to improper handling during the registration of functions in the tracepoint system of the Linux kernel.

5

When was CVE-2026-46196 published?

CVE-2026-46196 was published on May 28, 2026.

Contact

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