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CVE-2026-64344 Linux CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's USB idmouse driver. The issue arises from the improper use of mutex_unlock() to manage the lifetime of objects, which can lead to accessing the mutex structure after the lock has been released. This vulnerability has been resolved by utilizing a kref to release the driver data, thereby preventing use-after-free when the release() function races with disconnect(). The vulnerability affects Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux systems who utilize the USB idmouse driver.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-25
Original CVE updated
2026-09-03
Advisory published
2026-07-25
Advisory updated
2026-09-03

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux systems who utilize the USB idmouse driver should be aware of this vulnerability and ensure they apply the necessary patches to mitigate the risk. Affected operators and platforms should review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's USB idmouse driver was vulnerable to a use-after-free issue on disconnect race due to the incorrect use of mutex_unlock() for managing object lifetimes. The fix involves using a kref for releasing driver data to prevent use-after-free scenarios. This vulnerability has been resolved in the Linux kernel, and users should apply the necessary patches to mitigate the risk. The issue arises from the improper use of mutex_unlock() to manage the lifetime of objects, which can lead to accessing the mutex structure after the lock has been released.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patch to update the Linux kernel's USB idmouse driver
  • Review and update Linux kernel versions to ensure the fix is included
  • Monitor Linux distribution advisories for patched versions
  • 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 2026-07-25T10:17:16.487Z 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 USB idmouse driver vulnerability was resolved by utilizing a kref to release the driver data, thereby preventing use-after-free when the release() function races with disconnect().

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64344 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64344

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

  • CVE-2026-64344 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64344

    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/31e75fed8f90cfea9f8285e7ed135b0e452bf872

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/54c2b7356b4aeea467f9fb13b85e9e036bc428cb

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/60fc5ef4ecea3e3d1fe556cecf53ddd13096ef09

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8d53b14ad4ccbff6d306b3a39c812303f4a87d41

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d0f61acb51a8c8f3fd41c303ddb7770cd83e7ed4

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e88cff5fbaa629f3cab45c8b46f395d62c2eb515

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f62622e947f82a3854a8502d09492ffbdeb252b4

    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.