PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-53097 Linux CVE debrief
The Linux kernel was found to have a use-after-free vulnerability in the mt7996_mac_dump_work() function. This issue arises when the mt7996 pci chip is detaching, and the mt7996_crash_data is released, but the work item dump_work may still be running or pending, leading to use-after-free bugs. The vulnerability can be fixed by ensuring dump_work is properly canceled before the crash_data is deallocated. This issue has a high impact on system stability and security.
- Vendor
- Linux
- Product
- Unknown
- CVSS
- HIGH 7.8
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-06-24
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-07-21
- Advisory published
- 2026-06-24
- Advisory updated
- 2026-07-21
Who should care
System administrators and users of Linux kernel versions 6.4, 6.13, and 6.19 should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to mitigate the risk. They should review system configurations, apply patches or mitigations, and monitor system logs for suspicious activity.
Technical summary
The vulnerability is caused by a race condition between the removal path and the workqueue. When the mt7996 pci chip is detaching, the mt7996_crash_data is released in mt7996_coredump_unregister(). However, the work item dump_work may still be running or pending, leading to use-after-free bugs when the already freed crash_data is dereferenced again in mt7996_mac_dump_work(). The issue can be fixed by ensuring dump_work is properly canceled before the crash_data is deallocated. This fix requires updates to the mt7996_unregister_device() function.
Defensive priority
High priority should be given to patching Linux kernel versions 6.4, 6.13, and 6.19 to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize patching and verify system configurations to ensure the vulnerability is mitigated.
Recommended defensive actions
- Apply patches from Linux kernel stable branches
- Inventory and update affected Linux kernel versions
- Monitor system logs for suspicious activity
- Implement compensating controls to detect and prevent exploitation
- Review system configurations for potential exposure
- Track exceptions and retest remediated assets
- Verify patch deployment and system stability
Evidence notes
The CVE record was published on 2026-06-24T17:17:23.923Z and last modified on 2026-07-21T18:21:38.230Z. The NVD entry is currently Analyzed. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions 6.4, 6.13, and 6.19. System administrators and users should verify their system configurations and apply patches or mitigations as necessary.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2026-53097 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-53097
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-53097 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53097
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Mitigation or vendor reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/180182a3f23ff79430a32ca2c4c1885368ceab48
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch
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Mitigation or vendor reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/188e10f9ea3109d23c6b7643aa6ec2f5cb0faa6d
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch
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Mitigation or vendor reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/aa4a31cd89f4fde5043ac613fe0e27014a60a60b
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch
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Mitigation or vendor reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c8f62f73bbced3a79894655bdb0b625462d956fc
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch
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.