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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-63828 Linux CVE debrief

The Linux kernel has a vulnerability that has been resolved in the apparmor module. The vulnerability relates to the implicit connection of TCP fast open sendmsg. When using sendmsg()/sendto() with MSG_FASTOPEN, it combines the connect(2) and write(2) operations, opening a connection in the SYN state. The apparmor_socket_sendmsg() function only checks AA_MAY_SEND, allowing a profile that grants send but denies connect to open an outbound TCP/MPTCP connection that connect(2) would have refused. This bypasses connect mediation.

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

Users of the Linux kernel who utilize the apparmor module for security mediation should be aware of this vulnerability. This includes Linux distribution maintainers, system administrators, and users who rely on apparmor for enforcing security policies on their systems.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is in the apparmor module of the Linux kernel. Specifically, it involves the handling of MSG_FASTOPEN in sendmsg()/sendto() calls, which can implicitly establish a connection. The current implementation of apparmor_socket_sendmsg() does not adequately mediate this implicit connect when a destination is supplied and MSG_FASTOPEN is set. This allows confined tasks to bypass connect mediation, potentially leading to unauthorized outbound connections.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patches or updates provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to resolve the vulnerability.
  • Review and update apparmor profiles to ensure they properly handle connect and send operations.
  • Monitor system logs for unusual connection attempts that may indicate exploitation.
  • Consider implementing additional compensating controls, such as network traffic monitoring and filtering, to detect and prevent potential exploitation.
  • Perform a thorough review of the affected systems to identify potential exposure.
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets to ensure the vulnerability is properly mitigated.
  • Document evidence of remediation and verification for future reference.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and associated details were obtained from the Linux kernel sources and CVE.org. The vulnerability has been resolved through specific commits in the Linux kernel repository. Evidence is limited to public sources and may not reflect the full scope or impact of the vulnerability. Defenders should verify the official patches or updates provided by the Linux kernel maintainers and review apparmor profiles to ensure they properly handle connect and send operations.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-63828 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-63828

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

  • CVE-2026-63828 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-63828

    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/07b71c342382b854ab8030b244aeab6a7228ad7d

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/45ebb934ea50b436ce49b2f159f090dab0d7fa28

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4a69b83045d3195d5b9a9b053ad840ddb2998b4e

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4d587cd8a72155089a627130bbd4716ec0856e21

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7f57428ce00891d26b0f087ef754a4d820ec83aa

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/faea60deaa05c76f0772650f42eafde12bd39d93

    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.