CVE-2026-72242: selinux: avoid sk_socket dereference in selinux_sctp_bind_connect()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
selinux: avoid sksocket dereference in selinuxsctpbindconnect()
selinuxsctpbindconnect() dereferences sk->sksocket to pass a struct socket to selinuxsocketbind() and selinuxsocketconnecthelper(). However, when the hook is invoked from the ASCONF softirq path (sctpprocessasconf), there is no file reference guaranteeing that sk->sksocket is non-NULL. The setsockopt callers (bindx, connectx, setprimary, sendmsg connect) hold a file reference and are not affected.
Both selinuxsocketbind() and selinuxsocketconnecthelper() immediately resolve sock->sk, never using the struct socket for anything else. Refactor the inner logic into helpers that take a struct sock directly so that selinuxsctpbindconnect() never needs to touch sk->sksocket at all.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72242?
CVE-2026-72242 has a risk rating of 22, indicating it poses a significant security threat.
What is the impact of CVE-2026-72242?
CVE-2026-72242 can potentially lead to a kernel dereference that may compromise system integrity.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72242?
To fix CVE-2026-72242, you should update your Linux kernel to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-72242?
CVE-2026-72242 affects systems running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel that use SELinux.
When was CVE-2026-72242 published?
CVE-2026-72242 was published on August 15, 2026.