CVE-2026-72299 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems that utilize the TIPC subsystem. Additionally, operators managing Linux-based infrastructure, platform administrators, vulnerability management teams, and security teams should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to mitigate its impact. This includes reviewing and applying patches, monitoring for potential exploits, and implementing compensating controls where necessary. The TIPC subsystem is used in various Linux kernel versions, and its usage can be widespread across different systems and deployments. Therefore, it is crucial for Linux kernel developers and maintainers to prioritize this vulnerability and ensure that affected systems are properly patched or mitigated. Linux distribution vendors should also provide updates and guidance to their users, while users of Linux-based systems should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their systems. This may involve reviewing system configurations, monitoring for suspicious activity, and implementing additional security measures to prevent exploitation. By taking these steps, Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems can help mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and ensure the security and integrity of their systems. The vulnerability can be resolved by restricting the dumps to TIPC_DUMP_SK_BKLGQ, which matches the queue protected by the held spinlock. Linux kernel developers and maintainers should review the provided patches and apply them to the Linux kernel to fix the vulnerability. They should also monitor the Linux kernel and TIPC subsystem for any related security updates or advisories. Linux distribution vendors should provide updates and guidance to their users, while users of Linux-based systems should review their system configurations and implement compensating controls to limit the potential impact of the vulnerability. This may involve reviewing system logs, monitoring for suspicious activity, and implementing additional security measures to prevent exploitation. By taking these steps,

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a race condition in the `tipc_sk_enqueue` function, which holds a spinlock that protects the backlog queue but does not serialize against the socket owner consuming or purging `sk_receive_queue`. This can lead to a situation where the `TIPC_DUMP_ALL` tracepoints in `tipc_sk_enqueue` may dump `sk_receive_queue` and dereference SKBs that the socket owner has already dequeued or freed. The issue can be resolved by restricting the dumps to `TIPC_DUMP_SK_BKLGQ`, which matches the queue protected by the held spinlock.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the provided patches to the Linux kernel to fix the vulnerability.
• Monitor the Linux kernel and TIPC subsystem for any related security updates or advisories.
• Consider implementing compensating controls, such as network segmentation or access controls, to limit the potential impact of the vulnerability.
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.
• 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.
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was reported by KASAN and involves a race condition in the TIPC subsystem of the Linux kernel. The issue is related to the `tipc_sk_enqueue` function and the `TIPC_DUMP_ALL` tracepoints. The CVE record and NVD entry provide details about the vulnerability.

Official resources