CVE-2026-23444
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's mac80211 Wi-Fi subsystem. This vulnerability occurs because a specific error path within the ieee80211_tx_prepare_skb() function fails to properly release a network buffer, known as a socket buffer (skb). This inconsistency can lead to a double-free condition, where the same memory is freed multiple times. A local attacker could exploit this to cause memory corruption, potentially leading to a system crash (Denial of Service) or, in more severe scenarios, the execution of unauthorized code.
Statement
This is a wireless TX preparation path: incorrect skb lifetime affects core mac80211 and several drivers. Double-free and skb corruption are serious; worst-case impact beyond denial of service should not be ruled out without manual review. Triggers still require driving WiFi transmit from local context (not Internet-wide), but the stack is networking-adjacent and merits a stricter lens than a generic single-driver typo.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, prevent unnecessary wireless driver modules if not needed. See https://access.redhat.com/solutions/41278 for instructions.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.5 | 5.5 | 7.8 |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | Local |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | Low |
| User Interaction | None | None | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | None | High |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | High |
| Availability Impact | High | High | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability,Integrity
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
Frequently Asked Questions
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