CVE-2026-64439: crypto: krb5 - filter out async aead implementations at alloc

Published Jul 25, 2026
·
Updated

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

crypto: krb5 - filter out async aead implementations at alloc

krb5aeadencrypt(), krb5aeaddecrypt() in rfc3961simplified.c and rfc8009encrypt(), rfc8009decrypt() in rfc8009aes2.c set a NULL completion callback and treat any negative return from cryptoaead{encrypt,decrypt}() as terminal, falling through to kfreesensitive(buffer). When the encryptname resolves to an async AEAD instance the request returns -EINPROGRESS, the buffer is freed while the backend's worker still holds a pointer, and the worker dereferences the freed slab on completion.

KASAN report under UML+SLUB with a synthetic async aead backend bound to krb5->encryptname:

BUG: KASAN: slab-use-after-free in t5stubcomplete+0x7d/0xc7

The helpers were written synchronously, so filter the async instances out at allocation time instead of plumbing cryptowaitreq() through every call site.

Reachable via net/rxrpc/rxgk.c, fs/afs/cmsecurity.c and net/ceph/crypto.c on systems with an async AEAD provider bound to the krb5 enctype name.

Affected Software

3 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.15<6.18.39
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<7.1.4

Event History

Jul 25, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:51 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:51 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:17 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-64439?

CVE-2026-64439 has a critical severity rating of 9.8, indicating a high risk to affected systems.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-64439?

To fix CVE-2026-64439, you should update your Linux kernel to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-64439?

CVE-2026-64439 affects the Linux kernel, particularly implementations using krb5 asynchronous authenticated encryption.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-64439 classified as?

CVE-2026-64439 is classified as a Use After Free vulnerability.

5

What code components are involved in CVE-2026-64439?

CVE-2026-64439 involves the krb5_aead_encrypt() and krb5_aead_decrypt() functions in the Linux kernel.

Contact

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