CVE-2026-53264: net/sched: act_api: use RCU with deferred freeing for action lifecycle
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/sched: actapi: use RCU with deferred freeing for action lifecycle
When NEWTFILTER and DELFILTER are run concurrently it is possible to create a race with an associated action.
Let's illustrate with CPU0 running NEWTFILTER and CPU1 running DELFILTER:
0: mutexlock() <-- holds the idr lock 0: rcureadlock() 0: p = idrfind(idr, index) <-- action p is valid (RCU protects IDR) 0: mutexunlock() <-- releases the idr lock 1: refcountdecandmutexlock() <-- refcnt 1->0, mutex held 1: idrremove(idr, index) <-- Action removed from IDR 1: mutexunlock() <-- mutex released allowing us to delete the action 1: tcfactioncleanup(p); kfree(p) <-- Kfrees p immediately, no deferral 0: refcountincnotzero(&p->tcfarefcnt) <-- ouch, UAF p points to freed memory
This patch fixes the race condition between NEWTFILTER and DELFILTER by adding struct rcuhead to tcaction used in the deferral and introducing a callrcu() in the delete path to defer the final kfree().
Note: this is a revert of commit d7fb60b9cafb ("netsched: get rid of tcfarcu") but also modernization/simplification to directly use kfreercu().
Let's illustrate the new restored code path:
0: rcureadlock() 1: refcountdecandmutexlock() <-- refcnt 1->0, mutex held 1: idrremove(idr, index) 1: mutexunlock() 1: callrcu(&p->tcfarcu, tcfactionrcufree) <-- defer kfree after grace period 0: p = idrfind(idr, index) 0: refcountincnotzero(&p->tcfarefcnt) <-- fails, refcnt already 0 1: rcureadunlock() <-- release so freeing can run after grace period
After CPU1 calls idrremove(), the object is no longer reachable through the IDR. CPU0's subsequent idrfind() will return NULL, and even if it still held a stale pointer, the immediate kfree() is now deferred until after the RCU grace period, so no UAF can occur.
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/sched act_apito a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch d7fb60b9cafb
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-53264?
CVE-2026-53264 has a risk rating of 55, indicating a medium severity vulnerability.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53264?
To fix CVE-2026-53264, update your Linux kernel to the latest version where this vulnerability has been resolved.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-53264?
CVE-2026-53264 affects the Linux Kernel when using the net/sched component with the NEWTFILTER and DELFILTER functionalities.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-53264?
CVE-2026-53264 is classified as a race condition vulnerability within the Linux Kernel.
What can happen if CVE-2026-53264 is exploited?
Exploitation of CVE-2026-53264 can lead to unexpected behavior or system instability due to race conditions during action lifecycle management.