PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-46283 Linux CVE debrief
CVE-2026-46283 is an information disclosure vulnerability in the Linux kernel. The tpm_dev_release() function uses kfree() to free sensitive data, potentially leaving sensitive cryptographic material in freed slab memory. This issue has been resolved by using kfree_sensitive() to ensure session keys are scrubbed during device teardown.
- Vendor
- Linux
- Product
- Unknown
- CVSS
- MEDIUM 5.5
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-06-08
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-07-23
- Advisory published
- 2026-06-08
- Advisory updated
- 2026-07-23
Who should care
Linux kernel developers and users, especially those using TPM (Trusted Platform Module) functionality.
Technical summary
The tpm_dev_release() function in the Linux kernel was using kfree() to free sensitive data, including HMAC session keys, nonces, and passphrase data. This could leave sensitive information in freed slab memory until it is eventually overwritten. The issue has been fixed by replacing kfree() with kfree_sensitive() to ensure that sensitive data is properly scrubbed during device teardown.
Defensive priority
Medium
Recommended defensive actions
- Apply the patch from the Linux kernel repository to update the tpm_dev_release() function to use kfree_sensitive().
- Use a Linux kernel version that includes the fix for CVE-2026-46283.
Evidence notes
The CVE record and NVD detail for CVE-2026-46283 provide information on the vulnerability and its resolution.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2026-46283 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-46283
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-46283 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-46283
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/53e6d2d834df40960b655b353e7a8ff4d927e1c7
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/84ced03172da544c9f8c0862faad48104f519352
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c424d2664f08c77f08b4580b5f0cbaabf7c229b2
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dd3ac52ea7a001406c7dbc663aae4b9f89da679a
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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.