CVE-2026-45918
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's handling of OpenVPN (Open Virtual Private Network) TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connections. A race condition can occur when a userspace process closes a socket while a peer is in the kernel's release list. This can lead to a null pointer dereference when the kernel attempts to detach from the socket, causing a system crash and resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS).
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
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