CVE-2026-52924 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux systems that use SCTP should assess exposure and prioritize remediation. The vulnerability can lead to crashes and potential code execution, and affected parties should review and apply patches from Linux kernel maintainers. Linux kernel developers and Linux distribution maintainers should prioritize remediation due to the potential impact on Linux systems that use SCTP.

Why it matters

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's SCTP implementation can lead to crashes and potential code execution. Linux kernel developers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux systems that use SCTP should assess exposure and prioritize remediation.

• Potential crashes and system instability
• Possible code execution or denial of service
• Requires verification of Linux kernel versions and SCTP usage
• Remediation priority is high due to potential impact

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's SCTP implementation has a use-after-free vulnerability. When handling a Stale Cookie ERROR, the association is rolled back from COOKIE_ECHOED to COOKIE_WAIT, but the outbound stream scheduler state is not properly invalidated. This can lead to crashes and potential issues. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel developers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux systems that use SCTP. The issue arises from the handling of a Stale Cookie ERROR, which can cause the association to roll back, but the outbound stream scheduler state is not properly cleaned up.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply patches from Linux kernel maintainers
• Update Linux kernel to a version that includes the fix
• Monitor SCTP traffic and system logs for potential issues
• 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 Linux kernel's SCTP implementation has a use-after-free vulnerability. A Stale Cookie ERROR can cause the association to roll back, but the outbound stream scheduler state is not properly cleaned up. This can lead to crashes and potential issues. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel developers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux systems that use SCTP. The issue arises from the handling of a Stale Cookie ERROR, which can cause the association to roll back, but the outbound stream scheduler state is not properly in

Sources and references

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.