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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-64025 Linux CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) and ktls (kernel TLS) subsystems. The issue arises when a socket is inserted into a sockmap (BPF_SK_SKB_VERDICT) before TLS RX is configured, leading to a potential use-after-free when tls_decrypt_sg() walks the frag_list. The fix applies the same guard as sk_psock_strp_data_ready(): if a TLS RX context is present, call psock->saved_data_ready (sock_def_readable) to wake recv() waiters and return immediately.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
CRITICAL 9.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-19
Original CVE updated
2026-07-30
Advisory published
2026-07-19
Advisory updated
2026-07-30

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, BPF and ktls users, and organizations relying on Linux kernel-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability and apply the fix to prevent potential use-after-free issues. They should review and update BPF and ktls configurations to ensure proper synchronization and monitor Linux kernel updates and patches for potential related vulnerabilities.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel vulnerability (CVE-2026-64025) is caused by a missing guard in sk_psock_verdict_data_ready(), which can lead to a use-after-free when a socket is inserted into a sockmap before TLS RX is configured. The fix ensures that if a TLS RX context is present, psock->saved_data_ready is called to wake recv() waiters and return immediately, leaving the receive queue untouched. This issue affects Linux kernel developers and maintainers, BPF and ktls users, and organizations relying on Linux kernel-based systems.

Defensive priority

High priority for Linux kernel developers and maintainers to apply the fix and prevent potential use-after-free issues.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the fix to the Linux kernel to prevent use-after-free issues.
  • Review and update BPF and ktls configurations to ensure proper synchronization.
  • Monitor Linux kernel updates and patches for potential related vulnerabilities.
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.
  • Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.
  • Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed.
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T16:17:42.527Z 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 fix applies the same guard as sk_psock_strp_data_ready(): if a TLS RX context is present, call psock->saved_data_ready (sock_def_readable) to wake recv() waiters and return immediately, leaving the receive queue untouched.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64025 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64025

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

  • CVE-2026-64025 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64025

    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/1861d369efd62d67796563bf3e01fc22e5626f8b

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7c8cf21bc4efb4af18d6096db3f8bd06d622251c

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8a52139560f833c3975032e1f5762611e3a36d71

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c9ea01768903ae47f210cd457af1dead6de7a9c3

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ddf8029623a1af20e984c040e89ff918158397ab

    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.