CVE-2026-53181: vsock/vmci: fix sk_ack_backlog leak on failed handshake
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
vsock/vmci: fix skackbacklog leak on failed handshake
When vmcitransportrecvconnectingserver() returns an error, vmcitransportrecvlisten() calls vsockremovepending() but never calls skacceptqremoved(). This leaves skackbacklog incremented permanently.
Repeated handshake failures (malformed packets, queue pair alloc failure, event subscribe failure) cause skackbacklog to climb toward skmaxackbacklog. Once it reaches the limit the listener permanently refuses all new connections with -ECONNREFUSED, a silent denial of service requiring a process restart to recover.
The two existing skacceptqremoved() calls in afvsock.c do not cover this path: line 764 checks vsockispending() which returns false after vsockremovepending(), and line 1889 is only reached on successful accept().
Fix by balancing skacceptqadded() with skacceptqremoved() on the error path.
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
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-53181?
CVE-2026-53181 has a medium severity rating of 5.5.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53181?
To remediate CVE-2026-53181, you should update the Linux kernel to the latest version where the vulnerability has been resolved.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-53181?
The potential impact of CVE-2026-53181 includes a denial of service condition due to an sk_ack_backlog leak during failed handshakes.
Which software is affected by CVE-2026-53181?
CVE-2026-53181 affects the Linux kernel with the vsock/vmci components, as well as the Microsoft azl3 kernel version 6.6.141.1-1.
When was CVE-2026-53181 published?
CVE-2026-53181 was published on June 25, 2026.