PatchSiren

PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-23091 Linux CVE debrief

A device leak was found in the Linux kernel's intel_th component during output device open(). The issue arises from a missing reference drop in error paths and on successful open(). This vulnerability may impact system stability and security if exploited. Affected systems include Linux kernel deployments utilizing the intel_th component. Developers, administrators, and security teams should assess exposure and implement patches or mitigations as needed to prevent potential exploitation.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-02-04
Original CVE updated
2026-10-19
Advisory published
2026-02-04
Advisory updated
2026-10-19

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, system administrators, and security teams responsible for maintaining and securing Linux-based systems should assess exposure and implement patches or mitigations as needed.

Why it matters

The intel_th device leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel requires attention from developers, system administrators, and security teams to ensure system stability and security.

  • System stability may be compromised due to device leaks.
  • Security teams should verify patch application to prevent potential exploitation.
  • System administrators may need to monitor for unusual activity related to intel_th device usage.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's intel_th component has a device leak vulnerability during output device open(). This occurs due to a missing reference drop in error paths and on successful open(). The vulnerability affects Linux kernel deployments utilizing the intel_th component. Developers and security teams should review and apply patches to prevent potential exploitation. The fix involves ensuring proper reference counting for the th device during output device open and close operations. This vulnerability may impact system stability if exploited.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply patches from Linux kernel maintainers to address the device leak vulnerability.
  • Monitor system stability and security logs for potential exploitation attempts.
  • Consider implementing compensating controls to mitigate potential impacts.
  • Perform thorough vulnerability assessments to identify exposed systems.
  • Prioritize patching based on asset inventory and risk assessment.
  • Track patch application and verify remediation success.
  • Review system monitoring and detection capabilities for intel_th device usage.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details on the device leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's intel_th component. References to kernel.org stable commits are provided, indicating fixes for the issue.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-23091 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-23091

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

  • CVE-2026-23091 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-23091

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

Supplemental references

  • intel_th: fix device leak on output open()

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/23xxx/CVE-2026-23091.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/af4b9467296b9a16ebc008147238070236982b6d

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/64015cbf06e8bb75b81ae95b997e847b55280f7f

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b71e64ef7ff9443835d1333e3e80ab1e49e5209f

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bf7785434b5d05d940d936b78925080950bd54dd

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0fca16c5591534cc1fec8b6181277ee3a3d0f26c

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f9b059bda4276f2bb72cb98ec7875a747f042ea2

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/95fc36a234da24bbc5f476f8104a5a15f99ed3e3

    Supplemental source

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.