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CVE-2026-64251 Linux CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's pwrseq core. The issue arises from inconsistent reference counting in seq_file callbacks. The vulnerability has been resolved by making the reference counting consistent across all seq_file callbacks, matching the standard pattern used by PCI and SCSI. This fix ensures that the Linux kernel's pwrseq core is secure and reliable.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-24
Original CVE updated
2026-08-17
Advisory published
2026-07-24
Advisory updated
2026-08-17

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, users, and security teams should be aware of this vulnerability and ensure they are using the patched version of the kernel. They should review and update Linux kernel configurations to ensure the fix is applied and monitor Linux kernel updates for future patches and security advisories.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by the use of __free(put_device) in pwrseq_debugfs_seq_next(), which leads to a use-after-free when the seq_file framework receives a pointer whose reference has already been dropped. To fix this, the reference counting was made consistent across all seq_file callbacks, matching the standard pattern used by PCI and SCSI. This fix prevents the use-after-free vulnerability and ensures the stability of the Linux kernel.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the patch to update the Linux kernel to the latest version
  • Review and update Linux kernel configurations to ensure the fix is applied
  • Monitor Linux kernel updates for future patches and security advisories
  • Verify the Linux kernel version and configurations
  • Check for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-24T16:16:54.713Z and was last modified on 2026-07-27T05:16:37.683Z. The NVD entry is currently Received. Linux kernel developers should verify the patched version and ensure it is applied correctly. Defensive verification tasks include reviewing the Linux kernel configurations and monitoring updates for future patches and security advisories.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64251 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64251

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

  • CVE-2026-64251 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64251

    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/257595adf9dac15ae1edd9d07753fbc576a7583d

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/73569a44fca2992f0ca4a4c0104069741b9873a0

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ba0b9f04c7a5f9887b8ce672eaf049502c0548ec

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e91df6d273445c03f5aa302bfe147eda33d45794

    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.