PatchSiren

PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-63797 Linux CVE debrief

The Linux kernel was vulnerable to a use-after-free issue in the rpmsg character device driver. When rpmsg_chrdev_probe() failed, it could lead to callbacks being dispatched with a stale pointer. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems. The issue arises from rpmsg_chrdev_probe() storing a newly allocated eptdev in the default endpoint's priv pointer before calling rpmsg_chrdev_eptdev_add(). If rpmsg_chrdev_eptdev_add() then fails, its error path frees eptdev while the default endpoint may still dispatch callbacks with the stale priv pointer.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 8.4
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-19
Original CVE updated
2026-08-17
Advisory published
2026-07-19
Advisory updated
2026-08-17

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, users of Linux-based systems, security teams responsible for vulnerability management and patching, affected operators, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams responsible for monitoring and incident response.

Technical summary

In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability was found in the rpmsg character device driver. Specifically, rpmsg_chrdev_probe() stored a newly allocated eptdev in the default endpoint's priv pointer before calling rpmsg_chrdev_eptdev_add(). If rpmsg_chrdev_eptdev_add() then failed, its error path freed eptdev while the default endpoint may still dispatch callbacks with the stale priv pointer. To fix this, the code was modified to avoid publishing eptdev through the default endpoint until rpmsg_chrdev_eptdev_add() succeeds. Messages received before the priv pointer is published should be ignored by rpmsg_ept_cb(). Flow-control updates can hit rpmsg_ept_flow_cb() in the same window, so both callbacks return success when priv is NULL.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply the official patch for the Linux kernel rpmsg character device driver
  • Ensure Linux kernel and distribution updates are applied in a timely manner
  • Monitor Linux kernel and distribution security advisories
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
  • 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

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T12:16:52.190Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Received. There is limited information available about the vulnerability, and defenders should verify the affected scope and severity with the official advisory. The Linux kernel rpmsg character device driver vulnerability allows for a use-after-free issue, which could lead to callbacks being dispatched with a stale pointer. To confirm affected product deployments, assign an owner for follow-up, and review the supplied official advisory or CVE record.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-63797 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-63797

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

  • CVE-2026-63797 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-63797

    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/104d100212396801f1d9d388282f746e23e2bfd6

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1ff3f528e67d20e2b1483dcaba899dc7832b2e6b

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c5ebb06c7e24d531b68707168e04698859d642bc

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ddf13f91ca82c94ef7ad9c41a434a03313f8eb1b

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ff268cd9ccbce6472a0658791b417bf11c31ee39

    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.