CVE-2026-52974: net: tls: fix strparser anchor skb leak on offload RX setup failure
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: tls: fix strparser anchor skb leak on offload RX setup failure
When tlssetdeviceoffloadrx() fails at tlsdevadd(), the error path calls tlsswfreeresourcesrx() to clean up the SW context that was initialized by tlssetswoffload(). This function calls tlsswreleaseresourcesrx() (which stops the strparser via tlsstrpstop()) and tlsswfreectxrx() (which kfrees the context), but never frees the anchor skb that was allocated by allocskb(0) in tlsstrpinit().
Note that tlsswfreeresourcesrx() is exclusively used for this "failed to start offload" code path, there's no other caller.
The leak did not exist before commit 84c61fe1a75b ("tls: rx: do not use the standard strparser"), because the standard strparser doesn't try to pre-allocate an skb.
The normal close path in tlsskprotoclose() handles cleanup by calling tlsswstrparserdone() (which calls tlsstrpdone()) after dropping the socket lock, because tlsstrpdone() does cancelworksync() and the strparser work handler takes the socket lock.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.6.143.1-1 - Upgrade
Upgrade
Linux kernel (net: tls: fix strparser anchor skb leak on offload RX setup failure)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch 84c61fe1a75b - Operational
Reboot or restart the affected Linux systems/services after applying the kernel fix for the net: tls strparser anchor skb leak on offload RX setup failure.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-52974?
The severity of CVE-2026-52974 is rated at 12, indicating a critical risk level.
How do I fix CVE-2026-52974?
To address CVE-2026-52974, ensure that your Linux kernel is updated to the latest patched version containing the fix.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-52974?
CVE-2026-52974 affects the Linux kernel, specifically systems utilizing TLS offload functionality.
What kind of vulnerabilities does CVE-2026-52974 address?
CVE-2026-52974 addresses a resource leak vulnerability that occurs during offload RX setup failure.
When was CVE-2026-52974 published?
CVE-2026-52974 was published on June 24, 2026.