CVE-2026-72103: dm: avoid leaking the caller's thread keyring via the table device file
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
dm: avoid leaking the caller's thread keyring via the table device file
The refactoring in commit a28d893eb327 ("md: port block device access to file") accidentally causes the caller's thread keyring to be kept alive long beyond the caller's lifetime.
As a result, "cryptsetup luksSuspend" silently fails to wipe the LUKS volume key from memory.
In detail: "cryptsetup luksOpen" uses its supposedly ephemeral thread keyring to pass the volume key to the kernel. dm-crypt's cryptsetkeyringkey() copies the key material into its own cryptconfig structure and then drops its own reference to the key in the keyring with keyput().
With this fix, restoring pre-v6.9 behavior, the copy in the thread keyring is then promptly garbage collected, such that exactly one copy of the volume key remains. This single copy is correctly wiped from memory on "cryptsetup luksSuspend".
Without this fix, the thread keyring and the volume key in it remains. This second copy is only freed on "luksClose". "luksSuspend" neither knows about this copy nor has any way to remove it, so the key remains recoverable from RAM after a suspend that is documented to have wiped it.
This fix should not introduce new security problems, as the code is anyway gated by CAPSYSADMIN. The device-mapper core, not the calling task, is the legitimate owner of this long-lived file.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72103?
CVE-2026-72103 has a severity rating of 34, indicating a moderate risk to systems.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72103?
To fix CVE-2026-72103, ensure you update your Linux kernel to a version that contains the patch addressing this vulnerability.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-72103?
CVE-2026-72103 affects systems running specific configurations of the Linux kernel where the dm device management is utilized.
What are the potential consequences of CVE-2026-72103?
The potential consequences of CVE-2026-72103 include unauthorized access to sensitive keyring information via the table device file.
When was CVE-2026-72103 published?
CVE-2026-72103 was published on August 15, 2026.