CVE-2026-74519 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems should assess exposure and apply patches. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges, and the affected product is the Linux kernel. The vulnerability is caused by the improper handling of device names in the pinctrl devicetree, which can lead to a double-free error when kstrdup_const() fails.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's pinctrl devicetree handling can lead to memory corruption and potentially escalate privileges. Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems should assess exposure and apply patches.

• Potential privilege escalation
• Memory corruption and instability
• Increased attack surface for local exploits

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's pinctrl devicetree handling is vulnerable to a double-free error. When kstrdup_const() fails during device name duplication, the dev_name is freed multiple times, leading to memory corruption. This issue has been resolved with specific commits to the Linux kernel. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges. The affected product is the Linux kernel, and the vulnerability is caused by the improper handling of device names in the pinctrl devicetree. The resolution commits have been applied to the Linux kernel to fix the vulnerability.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the provided patches to the Linux kernel
• Ensure that the Linux kernel is updated to a version that includes the fix
• Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts
• Perform a thorough review of the Linux kernel's pinctrl devicetree handling to identify potential vulnerabilities
• Implement compensating controls to mitigate the vulnerability
• Track exceptions and retest remediated assets to ensure the vulnerability is fully resolved
• Verify the integrity of the Linux kernel's pinctrl devicetree handling to prevent similar vulnerabilities

Evidence notes

The CVE record and associated source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its description, affected versions, and resolution commits. The vulnerability was introduced in the Linux kernel's pinctrl devicetree handling and can be exploited by attackers to gain elevated privileges. The resolution commits have been applied to the Linux kernel to fix the vulnerability. However, the exact versions affected are not explicitly stated in the provided information.

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.