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CVE-2026-64475 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's vfio/pci component can lead to a use-after-free condition when the VGA arbiter client is not released properly on register_device() failure. This issue has been resolved in various Linux kernel updates. The vulnerability affects Linux system deployments utilizing vfio/pci components. The use-after-free condition can potentially impact system stability and security, emphasizing the need for prompt assessment and mitigation. System administrators should verify exposure and apply relevant kernel updates to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability's resolution involves releasing the VGA arbiter client on register_device() failure, ensuring the VGA's

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 8.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-25
Original CVE updated
2026-10-19
Advisory published
2026-07-25
Advisory updated
2026-10-19

Who should care

Linux system administrators and users, particularly those managing systems with vfio/pci components, should assess exposure and apply relevant kernel updates to mitigate potential risks.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's vfio/pci component can lead to a use-after-free condition, potentially affecting system stability and security. Linux system administrators and users should assess exposure and apply relevant kernel updates to mitigate risks.

  • Verification of kernel versions and exposure is necessary to prevent potential use-after-free conditions.
  • Applying kernel updates is crucial to ensure the VGA arbiter client is properly released.
  • Monitoring system logs can help detect potential indicators of compromise or vulnerability exploitation.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's vfio/pci component has a vulnerability that can lead to a use-after-free condition. This occurs when the VGA arbiter client is not released properly on register_device() failure. The issue has been addressed through various kernel updates. Affected product deployments require immediate assessment to determine exposure and apply necessary mitigations. The vulnerability's technical framing involves understanding the VGA arbiter client's role and its interaction with the vfio/pci component. The resolution requires updating kernel versions to ensure proper release of the VGA arbiter client, thereby preventing the use-after-free condition. This vulnerability's impact on system security and

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review Linux kernel versions and assess exposure based on the provided affected versions.
  • Verify and apply relevant kernel updates to ensure the VGA arbiter client is properly released.
  • Monitor system logs for potential use-after-free condition indicators.
  • Perform a thorough review of system configurations and assess the need for compensating controls.
  • Track and manage exceptions during remediation efforts.
  • Conduct an asset inventory to identify potentially affected systems.
  • Plan and implement rollback/change windows for updates as necessary.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and associated source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, the corpus does not establish specific exploitation instances or impacts, requiring verification from official sources.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64475 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64475

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

  • CVE-2026-64475 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64475

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • vfio/pci: Release the VGA arbiter client on register_device() failure

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/64xxx/CVE-2026-64475.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0f2a35a0c7ea7da347b814750eaa78adf3582381

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8d65decde9afd2bd78bcfffdc0df73b82a0b5509

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ef4c38d30b3744e89eb5048218904bb629ea8d47

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9e0a3f642e607848669235f5069f35640abbfc88

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/42d758a09d2c46c42357ecde9a5492f015bde2e5

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/52adb2dff7ce3d8430e2bdc5988b618a430def85

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/278a5659c391fe5afe5f9ce1bad1fd24e90144f1

    Supplemental source

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.