CVE-2026-63980: net/handshake: Use spin_lock_bh for hn_lock
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/handshake: Use spinlockbh for hnlock
nvmettcpstatechange(), a socket callback that runs in BH context, can reach handshakereqcancel() via nvmettcpschedulereleasequeue() and tlshandshakecancel(). handshakereqcancel() acquires hn->hnlock with plain spinlock(). If a process-context thread on the same CPU holds hn->hnlock when a softirq invokes the cancel path, the lock attempt deadlocks. This is the only caller that invokes tlshandshakecancel() from BH context; every other consumer calls it from process context.
Deferring the cancel to process context in the NVMe target is not straightforward: nvmettcpschedulereleasequeue() must call tlshandshakecancel() atomically with its state transition to DISCONNECTING. If the cancel were deferred, the handshake completion callback could fire in the window before the cancel runs, observe the unexpected state, and return without dropping its kref on the queue. Reworking that interlock is considerably more invasive than hardening the handshake lock. Convert all hn->hnlock acquisitions from spinlock/spinunlock to spinlockbh/spinunlockbh so the lock is never taken with softirqs enabled.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-63980?
CVE-2026-63980 has a risk rating of 34, indicating a moderate severity level.
What is the impact of CVE-2026-63980?
CVE-2026-63980 affects the Linux kernel's net/handshake component, potentially allowing for improper handling in socket callbacks.
How do I fix CVE-2026-63980?
To address CVE-2026-63980, update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version provided by your distribution.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-63980?
CVE-2026-63980 primarily affects users operating Linux kernels with the vulnerability present in net/handshake.
When was CVE-2026-63980 published?
CVE-2026-63980 was published on July 19, 2026.