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
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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.
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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
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Mitigation or vendor reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1418c12cd3bba79dc56b57b61c99efe40f579981
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch
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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
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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.