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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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/180182a3f23ff79430a32ca2c4c1885368ceab48

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

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/188e10f9ea3109d23c6b7643aa6ec2f5cb0faa6d

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

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/aa4a31cd89f4fde5043ac613fe0e27014a60a60b

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

  • 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.