CVE-2026-74405 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux system administrators, maintainers, and users who rely on Linux kernel-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to verify their exposure and apply fixes as necessary.

Why it matters

Linux system administrators and maintainers should assess exposure and prioritize verification of Linux kernel versions, especially those related to OPP, to ensure they are running a version with the fix applied.

• Reference count corruption and potentially premature free of OPP
• Denial of service (DoS) due to OPP subsystem instability
• Potential for exploitation leading to system crashes or instability
• Verification of Linux kernel versions and OPP subsystem configuration required

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's OPP subsystem is vulnerable to a race condition between the addition of a new OPP and its lookup. This can lead to a reference count corruption and potentially premature free of the OPP. The issue has been resolved by initializing the OPP's reference count and OPP table before making it visible. Linux system administrators and maintainers should assess exposure and prioritize verification of Linux kernel versions, especially those related to OPP, to ensure they are running a version with the fix applied. The fix ensures any concurrent lookup observes a fully initialized object.

Defensive priority

Linux system administrators and maintainers should assess exposure and prioritize verification of Linux kernel versions, especially those related to OPP, to ensure they are running a version with the fix applied.

Recommended defensive actions

• Review Linux kernel versions and identify those that are affected by this vulnerability.
• Apply the fix by updating to a version of the Linux kernel that includes the OPP subsystem fix.
• Verify that the fix has been applied and test the system to ensure the vulnerability is not exploitable.
• Monitor Linux kernel updates and patches to ensure timely application of fixes for future vulnerabilities.
• Perform a thorough review of the Linux kernel's OPP subsystem configuration.
• 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.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details about the vulnerability, including its description, affected versions, and references to the fix. Linux system administrators and maintainers should verify their exposure by checking the Linux kernel versions they are using, especially those related to OPP, and apply fixes as necessary. The fix involves initializing the OPP's reference count and OPP table before making it visible. Defenders should verify that the fix has been applied and test the system to ensure the vulnerability is not

Sources and references

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.