PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-64132 Linux CVE debrief
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's IPv6 IOAM (In-Situ OAM) implementation. The issue arises from the failure to refresh the hdr pointer after skb_ensure_writable() is called, which may reallocate the skb's data buffer and invalidate existing pointers. This vulnerability can lead to a use-after-free condition when hdr->opt_len is passed to ioam6_event(). The affected product is the Linux kernel, and the vulnerability class is a use-after-free condition. The likely operational impact is a potential denial-of-service or code execution.
- Vendor
- Linux
- Product
- Unknown
- CVSS
- CRITICAL 9.8
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-07-19
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-08-13
- Advisory published
- 2026-07-19
- Advisory updated
- 2026-08-13
Who should care
Linux kernel developers and maintainers, network administrators, and security teams responsible for Linux-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability. They should review the official advisory and apply the provided patch to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, they should monitor for any suspicious activity related to IPv6 IOAM.
Technical summary
The vulnerability exists in the ipv6_hop_ioam() function, where the hdr pointer is initialized to point into the skb's linear data buffer. After calling skb_ensure_writable(), which may reallocate the buffer, the code fails to recalculate the hdr pointer. This can lead to a use-after-free condition when hdr->opt_len is passed to ioam6_event(). The affected product context is the Linux kernel's IPv6 IOAM implementation. The defensive impact is a potential denial-of-service or code execution.
Defensive priority
Medium
Recommended defensive actions
- Review and apply the provided patch to the Linux kernel
- Ensure that the Linux kernel is updated with the latest security patches
- Monitor for any suspicious activity related to IPv6 IOAM
- 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 2026-07-19T16:17:55.000Z 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's IPv6 IOAM implementation is vulnerable to a use-after-free condition. The official CVE record and NVD detail page provide additional context.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2026-64132 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64132
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-64132 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64132
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/24de676da63c1122d2c13b0d546238b66d1b4e62
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5af905aa8e91ff8d94572a1e089558f21dcf24ed
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/769723124b7c3b2bfea4cf68ad292698b87c8d01
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e46e6bc97fb1f339730ff1ba74267fbf48e7a422
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.