CVE-2026-23444: wifi: mac80211: always free skb on ieee80211_tx_prepare_skb() failure
Noroxi assessment
Priority: Monitor (action score 22/100)
- The sources we track (CISA KEV, Exploit-DB, Metasploit, Nuclei, GitHub) show no public exploit code or exploitation in the wild.
- Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days: 0.14% (FIRST EPSS).
- Someone with local access to the system can trigger it. A low-privileged account is enough. No user action is required. No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
- Fixed version: Linux Linux 06e769dddcbeb3baf2ce346273b53dd61fdbecf4, 3b4d27acafaeab478fd24f79ad6e593a892828b9, 50f1b690b4868923fbd242298def2fb88662f108; cbl2 kernel 5.15.202.1-1 on CBL-Mariner 2.0 Release Notes.
- Severity is disputed: the assigning authority (CNA) scores it 7.8, NVD 5.5.
Low priority for now. Upgrade to Linux Linux 06e769dddcbeb3baf2ce346273b53dd61fdbecf4, 3b4d27acafaeab478fd24f79ad6e593a892828b9, 50f1b690b4868923fbd242298def2fb88662f108; cbl2 kernel 5.15.202.1-1 on CBL-Mariner 2.0 Release Notes or later.
Generated automatically from the record's data: CVSS (NVD and CNA), CISA KEV and SSVC, FIRST EPSS, exploit sources, fixed versions. How we calculate it
Primary sources: NVD · CVE.org · FIRST EPSS
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mac80211: always free skb on ieee80211_tx_prepare_skb() failure ieee80211_tx_prepare_skb() has three error paths, but only two of them free the skb. The first error path (ieee80211_tx_prepare() returning TX_DROP) does not free it, while invoke_tx_handlers() failure and the fragmentation check both do. Add kfree_skb() to the first error path so all three are consistent, and remove the now-redundant frees in callers (ath9k, mt76, mac80211_hwsim) to avoid double-free. Document the skb ownership guarantee in the function's kdoc.
- Published
- Apr 3, 2026
- Updated
- Oct 19, 2026
- EPSS
- 0.1% · 3th percentile
- CWE
- CWE-401
Report tools
Action score
22
Low priority for now.
- CVSS
- 22 / 40 · 5.5 / 10
- CISA KEV
- 0 / 30 · Not listed
- EPSS
- 0 / 30 · 0.1%
CISA SSVC decision
- Exploitation
- none
- Automatable
- no
- Technical impact
- total
Vulnrichment: CISA's decision-tree inputs.
CNA vs NVD score
- NVD
- 5.5
- CNA · Linux
- 7.8
- 2.3 point gap
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
The score given by the assigning authority versus NVD’s independent score. A gap means the severity is contested.
Get told when this record changes
- Not in KEV: no record of exploitation in the wild
- No public exploit code on record
- A fix has been released
If any of these changes, we'll tell you in the daily email digest.
Is your version affected? Check itNoroxi analysis
What does it mean in your environment?
The assessment above is generated automatically from the record's data; it doesn't know your environment. Our team verifies on your systems whether this vulnerability is actually exploitable and which mitigation is enough.
We use this product, ask for helpAffected systems
Is your version affected?
Pick the product and type the version you run. It's compared with this record's version ranges in your browser; the version isn't sent anywhere.
| Vendor | Product | CPE |
|---|---|---|
| linux | linux kernel | cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel |
Versions reported by the vendor
Affected version ranges reported by the assigning authority (Linux). Independent of NVD's CPE analysis and usually ahead of it.
Linux Linux
- 3.13affected
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before 905ef207d5ed99ca64adfe39fba9ac46e434327aaffected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before 5ef8ca1c164786da24169af155c1ca1ff1353cf8affected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before 9a779d1f480e83720b5384adf165604e7ee226bdaffected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before f77b51bcee7be2bb686b5f7a2d4a1921e4bdb9f4affected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before 3b4d27acafaeab478fd24f79ad6e593a892828b9affected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before 06e769dddcbeb3baf2ce346273b53dd61fdbecf4affected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before 50f1b690b4868923fbd242298def2fb88662f108affected · git
- 06be6b149f7e406bcf16098567f5a6c9f042bced and later · before d5ad6ab61cbd89afdb60881f6274f74328af3ee9affected · git
- before 3.13not affected · semver
Affected versions · NVD (4)
NVD version ranges (for catalog products). Add the product to your stack with a version and matching uses these.
- linux linux kernel3.13.1 and later · before 6.18.20
- linux linux kernel6.19 and later · before 6.19.10
- linux linux kernel3.13
- linux linux kernel7.0
Package-level exposure
OSV and GitHub Advisory data: ecosystem, package and range. SBOM matching uses this table.
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian:12 | linux | before 6.1.176-1 | 6.1.176-1 |
| Debian:13 | linux | before 6.12.85-1 | 6.12.85-1 |
| Debian:14 | linux | before 6.19.10-1 | 6.19.10-1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Live Patching 12 SP5 | kernel-default | before 4.12.14-122.317.1 | 4.12.14-122.317.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Live Patching 12 SP5 | kgraft-patch-SLE12-SP5_Update_84 | before 1-8.7.1 | 1-8.7.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Live Patching 15 SP7 | kernel-livepatch-SLE15-SP7_Update_16 | before 1-150700.15.3.2 | 1-150700.15.3.2 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Live Patching 15 SP7 | kernel-livepatch-SLE15-SP7-RT_Update_16 | before 1-150700.1.5.2 | 1-150700.1.5.2 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP7 | kernel-64kb | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP7 | kernel-default | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP7 | kernel-default-base | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1.150700.17.35.4 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1.150700.17.35.4 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP7 | kernel-source | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Basesystem 15 SP7 | kernel-zfcpdump | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Development Tools 15 SP7 | kernel-docs | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Development Tools 15 SP7 | kernel-obs-build | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.2 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.2 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Development Tools 15 SP7 | kernel-syms | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Public Cloud 15 SP7 | kernel-azure | before 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 | 6.4.0-150700.53.60.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5-LTSS | kernel-source | before 4.12.14-122.317.1 | 4.12.14-122.317.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5-LTSS | kernel-syms | before 4.12.14-122.317.1 | 4.12.14-122.317.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | kernel-azure | before 6.12.0-160000.34.1 | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | kernel-docs | before 6.12.0-160000.34.1 | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | kernel-kvmsmall | before 6.12.0-160000.34.1 | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | kernel-obs-qa | before 6.12.0-160000.34.1 | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | kernel-zfcpdump | before 6.12.0-160000.34.1 | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 |
| SUSE:Linux Micro 6.0 | kernel-default | before 6.4.0-47.1 | 6.4.0-47.1 |
+15
Same product
linux: all recordsOther highest-scoring records for the same primary product.
- CVE-2026-31431crypto: algif_aead - Revert to operating out-of-placeKEV90Now
- CVE-2022-0847A flaw was found in the way the "flags" member of the new pipe buffer structure was lacking proper initialization in copy_page_to_iter_pipe…KEV89Now
- CVE-2021-22555Heap Out-Of-Bounds Write in Netfilter IP6T_SO_SET_REPLACEKEV85Now
Published before and after this one in the same product
- ← EarlierCVE-2026-23441Apr 3, 2026 · net/mlx5e: Prevent concurrent access to IPSec ASO context18Monitor
- ← EarlierCVE-2026-23442Apr 3, 2026 · ipv6: add NULL checks for idev in SRv6 paths22Monitor
- Later →CVE-2026-23445Apr 3, 2026 · igc: fix page fault in XDP TX timestamps handling22Monitor
Remediation
Which version to upgrade to
Fix versions compiled from the vendor, package registries and Microsoft. Verify the vendor's note before upgrading.
| Product / package | Fixed version | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Linux Linux | 06e769dddcbeb3baf2ce346273b53dd61fdbecf4 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | 3b4d27acafaeab478fd24f79ad6e593a892828b9 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | 50f1b690b4868923fbd242298def2fb88662f108 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | 5ef8ca1c164786da24169af155c1ca1ff1353cf8 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | 905ef207d5ed99ca64adfe39fba9ac46e434327a | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | 9a779d1f480e83720b5384adf165604e7ee226bd | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | d5ad6ab61cbd89afdb60881f6274f74328af3ee9 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Linux Linux | f77b51bcee7be2bb686b5f7a2d4a1921e4bdb9f4 | Vendor (CNA) |
| cbl2 kernel 5.15.202.1-1 on CBL-Mariner 2.0 | Release Notes | Microsoft (MSRC) |
| debian:linux | 6.1.176-1 · Debian:12 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-64kb | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Micro 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-azure | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-default | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Micro 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-default-base | 6.12.0-160000.34.1.160000.2.15 · SUSE:Linux Micro 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-docs | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-kvmsmall | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-obs-build | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Micro Extras 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-obs-qa | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-rt | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Micro 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-source | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Micro 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-syms | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Micro Extras 6.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:kernel-zfcpdump | 6.12.0-160000.34.1 · SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 16.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
Exploit status
No known public exploit
No public exploit has been observed yet. That doesn't mean you're safe, only that the bar is a little higher.
Research context
For pentesters and researchers: attack profile, score disagreement, timeline, patch commits, credits, variant and chain candidates, bug bounty scope. All derived from existing data; no exploit code.
Timeline
From publication to today: proof of concept, Metasploit module, CISA KEV and fix record. Dates are as reported by the sources.
No dated events beyond publication.
Not on record for this CVE: EPSS history · patch commit or PR link · researcher credit · variant or chain candidate · public bounty program.
Technical details
Attack conditions
- Someone with local access to the system can trigger it.
- A low-privileged account is enough.
- No user action is required.
- No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
If successful
- Confidentiality
- none
- Integrity
- none
- Availability
- high · the service can be disrupted
- Attack vector
- Local
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality impact
- None
- Integrity impact
- None
- Availability impact
- High
Weakness class (CWE)
CWE-401 · Missing Release of Memory after Effective LifetimeCVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
nvd-primary
Attack context
MITRE CAPEC attack patterns and ATT&CK techniques for this weakness class (CWE). A starting point for detection rules and threat hunting.
MITRE has no CAPEC/ATT&CK mapping for this CWE.
Change log (2)
- SSVC exploitation— → none
- Fix✗ → ✓
For records you follow, these changes also arrive as notifications. →
References
Show all references (8 more)Show less
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/3b4d27acafaeab478fd24f79ad6e593a892828b9
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/50f1b690b4868923fbd242298def2fb88662f108
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/5ef8ca1c164786da24169af155c1ca1ff1353cf8
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/905ef207d5ed99ca64adfe39fba9ac46e434327a
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/9a779d1f480e83720b5384adf165604e7ee226bd
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/d5ad6ab61cbd89afdb60881f6274f74328af3ee9
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/f77b51bcee7be2bb686b5f7a2d4a1921e4bdb9f4
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-784472.html
Vendor advisories and official records. Exploit/PoC links are deliberately left out.