PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-63805 Linux CVE debrief
A Linux kernel vulnerability, CVE-2026-63805, was resolved by fixing an argument issue in the nx_crypto_ctx_exit function. The vulnerability arose from nx_crypto_ctx_shash_exit calling nx_crypto_ctx_exit with an incorrect type, leading to a kernel access of bad area oops. This issue was triggered by hardlink(1) using AF_ALG. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel users and maintainers, who should ensure they are running the patched kernel version.
- Vendor
- Linux
- Product
- Unknown
- CVSS
- HIGH 7.8
- 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 users and maintainers, as well as operators, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams, should be aware of this vulnerability and ensure they are running the patched kernel version to prevent potential oops or access of bad area errors.
Technical summary
The Linux kernel vulnerability CVE-2026-63805 was caused by a type mismatch in the nx_crypto_ctx_exit function. Specifically, nx_crypto_ctx_shash_exit called nx_crypto_ctx_exit with a crypto_shash_ctx, which is a nx_crypto_ctx *, not a crypto_tfm *. This incorrect type led to a kernel oops when accessing bad areas. The issue was exposed when hardlink(1) opportunistically used AF_ALG. A similar problem existed with nx_crypto_ctx_skcipher_exit, but it hadn't been triggered for years. The vulnerability has a medium defensive priority.
Defensive priority
Medium
Recommended defensive actions
- Apply the kernel patch fixing the nx_crypto_ctx_exit argument issue
- Verify and update Linux kernel versions to ensure the fix is applied
- Monitor system logs for potential oops or access of bad area errors
- 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 CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T12:16:53.230Z 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 CVE record and vendor guidance.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
-
CVE-2026-63805 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-63805
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
-
CVE-2026-63805 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-63805
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/4e67f504ee9ded15e256b64f4fde150e917381d7
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/833033e6e55acf11304ff7bbbdf18351d139c281
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8d8507a457667f23477a15496b91908a5b5b7cf3
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.