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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2025-71086 Linux CVE debrief

CVE-2025-71086 is a HIGH severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel, caused by an invalid array index in the rose_kill_by_device() function. This can lead to an invalid socket pointer dereference and leak references taken via sock_hold(). Affected systems include Linux kernel deployments. Linux kernel developers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems should review patch guidance and apply updates.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-14
Original CVE updated
2026-07-28
Advisory published
2026-07-14
Advisory updated
2026-07-28

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems, especially those with Linux kernel deployments, should be aware of this vulnerability and review patch guidance.

Technical summary

The rose_kill_by_device() function in the Linux kernel collects sockets into a local array and then iterates over them to disconnect sockets bound to a device being brought down. However, the loop mistakenly indexes array[cnt] instead of array[i], leading to an out-of-bounds read or an uninitialized entry read. This can cause an invalid socket pointer dereference and leak references taken via sock_hold(). Defenders should focus on patching this vulnerability.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to patching this vulnerability, as it can be used to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
  • Review and update Linux kernel versions to ensure they are not vulnerable.
  • Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts.
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-01-13T16:16:08.230Z and was last modified on 2026-07-14T13:18:02.280Z. The NVD entry is currently Modified. Evidence is limited to CVE and NVD details. Defenders should verify Linux kernel versions and patch status.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2025-71086 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-71086

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2025-71086 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-71086

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1418c12cd3bba79dc56b57b61c99efe40f579981

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6595beb40fb0ec47223d3f6058ee40354694c8e4

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/819fb41ae54960f66025802400c9d3935eef4042

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/92d900aac3a5721fb54f3328f1e089b44a861c38

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9f6185a32496834d6980b168cffcccc2d6b17280

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b409ba9e1e63ccf3ab4cc061e33c1f804183543e

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ed2639414d43ba037f798eaf619e878309310451

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.