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CVE-2026-64129 Linux CVE debrief

A spinlock leak vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's migrate_vma_insert_huge_pmd_page function. When check_stable_address_space() fails after acquiring the PMD spinlock, the code jumps to the abort label, bypassing the spin_unlock() call, causing a deadlock. The issue was resolved by changing the goto target from abort to unlock_abort to ensure the spinlock is always released on this error path. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel users and administrators, who should take defensive actions to protect their systems.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-19
Original CVE updated
2026-08-13
Advisory published
2026-07-19
Advisory updated
2026-08-13

Who should care

Linux kernel users and administrators should be aware of this vulnerability and take defensive actions to protect their systems. They should review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance. Affected operators, platforms, and security teams should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's migrate_vma_insert_huge_pmd_page function has a spinlock leak vulnerability. When check_stable_address_space() fails after acquiring the PMD spinlock via pmd_lock(), the code jumps directly to the abort label, bypassing the spin_unlock() call in unlock_abort. This causes the PMD spinlock to be permanently held, leading to a deadlock. The issue was resolved by changing the goto target from abort to unlock_abort to ensure the spinlock is always released on this error path. The vulnerability has a high defensive priority.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Inventory Linux kernel systems for potential exposure
  • Apply vendor patches or updates to address the vulnerability
  • Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts
  • Implement compensating controls to mitigate potential impact
  • Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T16:17:54.627Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Received. There is limited information available about this vulnerability, and defenders should verify the affected scope and severity with the vendor. The vulnerability was resolved by changing the goto target from abort to unlock_abort to ensure the spinlock is always released on this error path.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64129 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64129

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

  • CVE-2026-64129 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64129

    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/63451de16e0a08be40f9ab5e7c5c8f5c79676fb1

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c715f7ccf7a294c058667b678a4ba50fad933c62

    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.