CVE-2026-23414 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of Linux kernel versions 6.1.158 to 6.1.168, 6.6.114 to 6.6.131, 6.12.55 to 6.12.80, 6.17.5 to 6.18, 6.18.1 to 6.18.21, 6.19 to 6.19.11, and 7.0 rc1 to rc7 should be aware of this vulnerability. Operators, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams should review the vulnerability and take necessary actions.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a leak when tls_strp_msg_hold() fails part-way through, after having added some cloned skbs to the async_hold queue. tls_decrypt_sg() will then call tls_decrypt_async_wait() to process all pending decrypts, and drop back to synchronous mode. The async_hold queue pins encrypted input skbs while the AEAD engine references their scatterlist data. Once tls_decrypt_async_wait() returns, every AEAD operation has completed and the engine no longer references those skbs, so they can be freed unconditionally.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to patching the Linux kernel to prevent potential data leaks.

Recommended defensive actions

• Apply patches from Linux kernel stable branches
• Review and update Linux kernel versions to ensure they are within the safe ranges
• Monitor for potential data leaks
• 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

Evidence is based on official CVE and NVD records, as well as Linux kernel patch references. The vulnerability was introduced in Linux kernel versions 6.1.158 to 6.1.168, 6.6.114 to 6.6.131, 6.12.55 to 6.12.80, 6.17.5 to 6.18, 6.18.1 to 6.18.21, 6.19 to 6.19.11, and 7.0 rc1 to rc7. Defenders should verify patch deployment and review system logs for potential data leaks.

Official resources