PatchSiren

PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-90253 Linux CVE debrief

A memory leak vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth MGMT component. When a mesh send cancel command is cancelled, it is not properly freed, leading to a potential memory leak. This issue affects Linux kernel versions prior to the fixed commits. The vulnerability can cause memory leaks, potentially leading to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks if exploited. Users of Linux-based systems and Linux kernel developers should verify and apply patches as needed to prevent potential exploitation.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-09-17
Original CVE updated
2026-10-19
Advisory published
2026-09-17
Advisory updated
2026-10-19

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, as well as users of Linux-based systems, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to verify and apply patches as needed. This includes reviewing the Linux kernel version, monitoring system logs for potential memory leak issues, and implementing compensating controls for exposed systems. Additionally, Linux kernel developers should review and apply the fixed commits to affected Linux kernel versions to

Why it matters

A memory leak vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth MGMT component, affecting Linux kernel versions prior to the fixed commits. Verification and patching are necessary to prevent potential exploitation.

  • Memory leak vulnerability can lead to potential denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
  • Verification of Linux kernel version and application of patches is necessary to prevent exploitation
  • Monitoring system logs for potential memory leak issues is recommended

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's Bluetooth MGMT component has a memory leak vulnerability due to a missing destroy callback in the mesh send cancel command. When this command is cancelled, it is not properly freed, leading to a potential memory leak. This issue affects Linux kernel versions prior to the fixed commits. The vulnerability can be mitigated by reviewing and applying the fixed commits, verifying the Linux kernel version, and monitoring system logs for potential memory leak issues. Affected Linux kernel developers and users should take steps to verify and apply patches as needed.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply the fixed commits to affected Linux kernel versions
  • Verify the Linux kernel version and apply patches as needed
  • Monitor system logs for potential memory leak issues
  • Perform regular vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential memory leak issues
  • Implement compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets to ensure the vulnerability is fully resolved
  • Review and update incident response plans to address potential DoS attacks

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, the CVSS score and severity are not provided. The vulnerability was introduced due to a missing destroy callback in the mesh send cancel command, leading to a memory leak when the command is cancelled. This issue has been resolved in later Linux kernel versions through fixed commits. Users should review and apply these patches to prevent exploitation.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-90253 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-90253

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

  • CVE-2026-90253 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-90253

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

Supplemental references

  • Bluetooth: MGMT: free the mesh send cancel command when it is cancelled

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/90xxx/CVE-2026-90253.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b609341ee56967d9a45845ff26f79336d2114b55

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/416fabca9b7237b76aa9cafcf8c497b8ac00d88c

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/88e30d036d777b00aed42bd35000de23ff40910c

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/05438d338a875a9daa08ca3f6a35b4480cf13de4

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fa46d428c014e7b72a18634679815670418e67dc

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3c742feda8fcabf741a17bcf668b63c8f606f9c5

    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.