CVE-2026-53389
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's TCP Authentication Option (TCP-AO) implementation. When a TCP-AO key is deleted asynchronously, the system fails to clear pointers to the freed memory. This can allow an attacker to access previously freed memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or denial of service. In some scenarios, this could also enable arbitrary code execution.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory
If the expired pointer is used in a read operation, an attacker might be able to control data read in by the application.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
If the expired pointer references a memory location that is not accessible to the product, or points to a location that is "malformed" (such as NULL) or larger than expected by a read or write operation, then a crash may occur.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
If the expired pointer is used in a function call, or points to unexpected data in a write operation, then code execution may be possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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