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CVE-2026-52974 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel has been resolved, involving a memory leak in the TLS (Transport Layer Security) subsystem. Specifically, when the `tls_set_device_offload_rx()` function fails during the setup of offload RX, it leads to a memory leak of the anchor skb (socket buffer) allocated by `alloc_skb(0)` in `tls_strp_init()`. This issue was introduced by a commit that changed how the strparser is used in the TLS subsystem. The leak occurs because the error path in `tls_set_device_offload_rx()` calls `tls_sw_free_resources_rx()`, which cleans up the software context but does not free the anchor skb. The normal close path handles cleanup differently. This vulnerability is considered HIGH severity with a CVSS score of 7.5.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-06-24
Original CVE updated
2026-07-14
Advisory published
2026-06-24
Advisory updated
2026-07-14

Who should care

System administrators and security teams managing Linux kernel-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability. Although the issue has been resolved, ensuring that systems are updated with the latest kernel patches is crucial to prevent potential exploitation. This vulnerability could be particularly concerning for environments relying on TLS offload for performance or security.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is located in the Linux kernel's TLS subsystem, specifically in the handling of offload RX setup. When `tls_set_device_offload_rx()` fails, the cleanup process omits freeing the anchor skb allocated during initialization. This memory leak could potentially be exploited to cause denial-of-service (DoS) conditions or other impacts on system stability. The issue was resolved by ensuring proper cleanup in the error path.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to applying the necessary kernel updates to mitigate this vulnerability. System administrators should review their Linux kernel versions and update to a version that includes the fix for this issue.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the latest Linux kernel updates to ensure the TLS subsystem vulnerability is patched.
  • Review system configurations for TLS offload and verify that updates have been successfully applied.
  • Monitor system stability and memory usage for signs of potential exploitation attempts.
  • Consider implementing compensating controls, such as enhanced monitoring or intrusion detection systems, until all systems can be updated.
  • Verify that vendor remediation workflows are in place and functioning correctly.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2026-52974 vulnerability details were obtained from the NVD database and other kernel-related sources. The information provided indicates a HIGH severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.5. The vulnerability has been resolved in the Linux kernel, and updates are recommended to prevent potential exploitation.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-52974 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-52974

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

  • CVE-2026-52974 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-52974

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

Supplemental references

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0c9f399b37ce22a5ed94cc51f03ed07ac7f38e32

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3c405dfa9619e506e75b8e41f8b29a5b99731877

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/58689498ca3384851145a754dbb1d8ed1cf9fb54

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/688f12aa44511dd57e448eb670075c6302ad1dc1

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9c54e76f8d6eb11735918777ef0e0509e089557d

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bd07fe6c38b9e44ff3fc02692a53f095c5cc9afc

    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.