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CVE-2026-68152 Linux CVE debrief

The Linux kernel has a use-after-free vulnerability in AMT delayed works. When an AMT device is removed, pending delayed works can still access the freed amt_dev structure, potentially causing kernel crashes or memory corruption. This vulnerability is related to the AMT (Advanced Management Technology) component of the Linux kernel. The affected component is used for remote management of Intel-based systems. The vulnerability has a high severity score of 7.8 and is considered a high priority due to its potential for kernel crashes or memory corruption. The vulnerability was resolved by using disable_delayed_work_sync() in amt_dev_stop() to prevent req_wq and discovery_wq from being queued again and wait for running work items to complete. This change ensures that the delayed work lifecycle is synchronized with the lifetime of the AMT device, preventing use-after-free vulnerabilities. Defenders should verify the Linux kernel versions used in their systems and check for potential exposure. They should also review system logs for potential exploitation attempts and implement compensating controls such as memory protection mechanisms.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-08-10
Original CVE updated
2026-08-17
Advisory published
2026-08-10
Advisory updated
2026-08-17

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. They should review their systems for potential exposure, apply patches or updates, and monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, they should implement compensating controls such as memory protection mechanisms to prevent potential exploitation.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel has a use-after-free vulnerability in AMT delayed works. When an AMT device is removed, pending delayed works can still access the freed amt_dev structure, potentially causing kernel crashes or memory corruption. The vulnerability is resolved by using disable_delayed_work_sync() in amt_dev_stop() to prevent req_wq and discovery_wq from being queued again and wait for running work items to complete. This change ensures that the delayed work lifecycle is synchronized with the lifetime of the AMT device, preventing use-after-free vulnerabilities.

Defensive priority

High priority due to potential for kernel crashes or memory corruption

Recommended defensive actions

  • Inventory and assess Linux kernel versions for potential vulnerability
  • Apply patches or updates from the Linux kernel maintainers
  • Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts
  • Implement compensating controls, such as memory protection mechanisms
  • Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance
  • Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to a use-after-free vulnerability in AMT delayed works. However, the vendor and product information is not available, making it difficult to determine the affected scope. Defenders should verify the Linux kernel versions used in their systems and check for potential exposure. They should also review system logs for potential exploitation attempts and implement compensating controls such as memory protection mechanisms.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-68152 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-68152

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

  • CVE-2026-68152 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-68152

    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/006340cf06881b6ff49767d8b6f3c4f7b892670c

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1a644db2cf59f164cdf3c75995bab5aadc097528

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a46bfa01e01df0f6f6dc4b0be18db002d6d2dbd2

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ea20c44935d6142daecfa9b39d635033a7553e1b

    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.