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CVE-2026-90326 Linux CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's blk-cgroup component. When switching an IO scheduler on a block device, a race condition can occur between policy activation and blkg destruction, leading to use-after-free and memory leak issues. This vulnerability can cause system crashes, memory leaks, and potential elevation of privileges. Linux kernel developers, system administrators, and users of Linux-based systems should review the provided kernel patches and update the Linux kernel to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-09-17
Original CVE updated
2026-09-18
Advisory published
2026-09-17
Advisory updated
2026-09-18

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, system administrators, and users of Linux-based systems should assess their exposure and take necessary actions to mitigate the vulnerability. This includes reviewing and applying the provided kernel patches, updating the Linux kernel to the latest version, and monitoring system logs for potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that all necessary security updates are applied and implement

Why it matters

The CVE-2026-90326 vulnerability in the Linux kernel's blk-cgroup component requires immediate attention from Linux kernel developers, system administrators, and users of Linux-based systems. The vulnerability can lead to system crashes, memory leaks, and potential elevation of privileges. To mitigate the vulnerability, it is essential to review and apply the provided kernel patches, update the Linux kernel to the latest version, and monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts.

  • Potential system crashes or instability due to use-after-free issues
  • Memory leaks leading to resource exhaustion
  • Elevation of privileges or unauthorized access

Technical summary

The blk-cgroup component in the Linux kernel is vulnerable to a use-after-free issue. When switching an IO scheduler on a block device, a race condition can occur between policy activation and blkg destruction, leading to use-after-free and memory leak issues. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8 and is classified as HIGH severity. To mitigate the vulnerability, it is essential to review and apply the provided kernel patches, update the Linux kernel to the latest version, and monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts. Affected Linux kernel developers, system administrators, and users of Linux-based systems should assess their exposure and take necessary actions to mitigate the vulnerability.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply the provided kernel patches to fix the blk-cgroup vulnerability
  • Update Linux kernel to the latest version
  • Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts
  • Perform a thorough review of system configurations and ensure that all necessary security updates are applied
  • 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 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, including its description and CVSS score. However, the corpus does not establish versions, exploitation, impact, or remediation, which require verification from the supplied official sources.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-90326 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-90326

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

  • CVE-2026-90326 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-90326

    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/083b58373463a6e5ee60ecb135269348f68ad7df

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2cf9f50a38c1839e549a08e22aa35e8d69e2c8fd

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5313d4d41739b0cb63000747c97bb1217ac45f3e

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ac34e655dffa74349d885a43d098115336f53842

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b5dae1cd0d8368b4338430ff93403df67f0b8bcc

    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.