CVE-2026-72179: riscv: cacheinfo: Fix node reference leak in populate_cache_leaves
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
riscv: cacheinfo: Fix node reference leak in populatecacheleaves
Currently, the while loop drops the reference to prev in each iteration. If the loop terminates early due to a break, the final ofnodeput(np) correctly drops the reference to the current node.
However, if the loop terminates naturally because np == NULL, calling ofnodeput(np) is a no-op. This leaves the last valid node stored in prev without its reference dropped, resulting in a node reference leak.
Fix this by changing the final ofnodeput(np) to ofnodeput(prev).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72179?
CVE-2026-72179 is classified with a risk severity of 5.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72179?
Fixing CVE-2026-72179 involves applying the latest patch provided in the Linux kernel updates.
What are the implications of CVE-2026-72179?
CVE-2026-72179 may lead to resource leaks within the Linux kernel affecting system performance.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-72179?
CVE-2026-72179 affects systems running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel that utilize riscv architecture.
When was CVE-2026-72179 published?
CVE-2026-72179 was published on August 15, 2026.