PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
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
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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.
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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
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/257595adf9dac15ae1edd9d07753fbc576a7583d
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/73569a44fca2992f0ca4a4c0104069741b9873a0
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ba0b9f04c7a5f9887b8ce672eaf049502c0548ec
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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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.