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CVE-2026-23110 Linux CVE debrief

A MEDIUM severity vulnerability, CVE-2026-23110, was found in the Linux kernel. This issue involves a race condition in the SCSI layer that can cause I/O through the SCSI host to become stuck, as the error state cannot advance. The vulnerability arises from a fragile ordering between marking commands completed or failed and waking the error handler. There are two primary race conditions: one within scsi_dec_host_busy() due to memory ordering issues, and another with scsi_eh_inc_host_failed() that can prevent the error handler from being woken. To address this, a memory barrier on the error path is necessary to ensure visibility of the write before counting host busy commands. Additionally, the call to scsi_host_busy() needs to be moved after host_failed is incremented to close the race condition. This vulnerability has been resolved with several patches applied to the Linux kernel.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
MEDIUM 4.7
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-02-04
Original CVE updated
2026-07-14
Advisory published
2026-02-04
Advisory updated
2026-07-14

Who should care

System administrators and security professionals managing Linux kernel-based systems, especially those using kernel versions prior to the patched versions, should be aware of this vulnerability. Given its MEDIUM severity and potential impact on system stability and security, attention is required to ensure systems are updated with the appropriate patches.

Technical summary

CVE-2026-23110 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's SCSI layer. It involves a race condition that can prevent the error handler from waking, leading to stuck I/O operations. The issue is caused by a memory ordering problem within scsi_dec_host_busy() and a general ordering issue with scsi_eh_inc_host_failed(). These problems can result in the SCSI layer failing to advance its error state. The vulnerability has been addressed through the application of several patches to the Linux kernel, ensuring proper memory barriers and command counting to prevent these race conditions.

Defensive priority

Apply patches: Ensure the Linux kernel is updated with patches addressing the race conditions in the SCSI layer. Verify system configurations: Check system configurations and inventory to identify potentially affected systems. Monitor system logs: Monitor system logs for any signs of I/O issues or error handler failures. Implement compensating controls: Consider implementing compensating controls, such as enhanced monitoring, until patches can be applied.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply patches: Ensure the Linux kernel is updated with patches addressing the race conditions in the SCSI layer.
  • Verify system configurations: Check system configurations and inventory to identify potentially affected systems.
  • Monitor system logs: Monitor system logs for any signs of I/O issues or error handler failures.
  • Implement compensating controls: Consider implementing compensating controls, such as enhanced monitoring, until patches can be applied.
  • Perform vulnerability scanning: Conduct vulnerability scanning to identify systems that may be affected by this vulnerability.
  • Review system updates: Regularly review system updates and patches to ensure timely application of security fixes.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-02-04T17:16:21.880Z and was last modified on 2026-07-14T13:18:25.040Z. The NVD entry is currently Modified. This debrief is based on information from the CVE.org record and the NVD detail page.

Official resources

AI-assisted PatchSiren debrief based on the supplied source corpus. The CVE record was published on 2026-02-04T17:16:21.880Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Modified.