CVE-2026-53247

CRITICAL 9.8

Published 2026-06-25 · Last modified 2026-06-28

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: ethernet: mtk_eth_soc: Fix use-after-free in metadata dst teardown mtk_free_dev() calls metadata_dst_free() which frees the metadata_dst with kfree() immediately, bypassing the RCU grace period. In the RX path, skb_dst_set_noref() sets a non-refcounted pointer from the skb to the metadata_dst. This function requires RCU read-side protection and the dst must remain valid until all RCU readers complete. Since metadata_dst_free() calls kfree() directly, a use-after-free can occur if any skb still holds a noref pointer to the dst when the driver tears it down. Replace metadata_dst_free() with dst_release() which properly goes through the refcount path: when the refcount drops to zero, it schedules the actual free via call_rcu_hurry(), ensuring all RCU readers have completed before the memory is freed.

ELEVATED IMPACT

Severe if exploited (CVSS 9.8), but no known exploitation and low modeled probability. Patch on a normal cadence.

Exploitation likelihood

0.5%chance of exploitation in 30 days · 40th percentile

○ In CISA KEV ○ Public exploit / PoC

Impact if exploited

9.8CVSS 3.1 · CRITICAL

ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh

What an attacker needs

✓Access: Reachable over the network — no local access needed
✓Privileges: No account or privileges required
✓User interaction: No user interaction needed
✓Complexity: No special conditions — reliably repeatable

✓ lowers the bar for an attacker · ⚠ raises it

Affected

Vendors Linux

Products Linux

Weakness (CWE)

Not classified.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

Technical & other

Sources: NVD · CVE.org · EPSS