CVE-2026-72124: can: isotp: serialize TX state transitions under so->rx_lock
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
can: isotp: serialize TX state transitions under so->rxlock
The TX state machine (so->tx.state) is driven from three contexts: sendmsg() claiming and progressing a transfer, the RX path consuming Flow Control/echo frames, and two hrtimers timing out a stalled transfer. Mixing a lock-free cmpxchg() claim in sendmsg() with hrtimercancel() calls made under so->rxlock elsewhere left windows where a frame or timer callback could act on a state that had already moved on, corrupting an unrelated transfer.
so->rxlock now covers the full lifecycle of a TX claim: sendmsg() takes it to check so->tx.state is ISOTPIDLE, switch it to ISOTPSENDING, bump so->txgen and drain the previous transfer's timers - all as one critical section. isotprcvfc()/isotprcvcf() already run under this lock via isotprcv(), and isotprcvecho() now takes it itself, so none of them can ever observe a transfer mid-claim. This also means a transfer can no longer be handed to sendmsg()'s cleanup paths (signal or send error) while another thread is concurrently claiming or finishing it, so those paths can cancel timers and reset the state unconditionally.
isotprelease() claims the socket the same way, so a racing sendmsg() sees a consistent ISOTPSHUTDOWN and skips arming its timer or sending.
Only the hrtimer callbacks stay outside so->rxlock, since they run under so->rxlock's cancellation elsewhere and taking it themselves would deadlock. so->txgen lets them recognize whether the transfer they timed out is still the one currently active, so they don't report an error against a transfer that has since completed or been superseded.
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Compensating control
If immediate kernel upgrade is not possible, temporarily avoid triggering the affected ISOTP transmit paths (e.g., do not concurrently use sendmsg()/flow-control/echo behavior that can stall transfers) until the fix is deployed.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72124?
CVE-2026-72124 has a risk rating of 27.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72124?
To resolve CVE-2026-72124, ensure that your system is updated with the latest Linux kernel version that includes the fix for this vulnerability.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-72124?
CVE-2026-72124 affects the Linux kernel that utilizes CAN ISOTP for communication.
What does CVE-2026-72124 involve?
CVE-2026-72124 involves issues with the transmission state machine in the CAN ISOTP module of the Linux kernel.
When was CVE-2026-72124 published?
CVE-2026-72124 was published on August 15, 2026.