CVE-2026-64011 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
nfc: llcp: Fix use-after-free in llcp_sock_release()
llcp_sock_release() unconditionally unlinks the socket from the local sockets list. However, if the socket is still in connecting state, it is on the connecting list.
Fix this by checking the socket state and unlinking from the correct list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2026
This vulnerability resides within the Linux kernel's NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem, specifically in the LLCP (Logical Link Control Protocol) implementation that handles socket operations. The issue manifests as a use-after-free condition in the llcp_sock_release() function which represents a critical memory safety flaw that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability impacts systems utilizing NFC capabilities with LLCP protocol support, making it relevant to mobile devices, IoT platforms, and embedded systems that rely on secure wireless communication protocols.
The technical root cause stems from improper state management within the socket cleanup process where the llcp_sock_release() function performs an unconditional unlink operation from the local sockets list without first verifying the socket's current operational state. When a socket exists in a connecting state, it occupies a different internal data structure - the connecting list - rather than the standard local sockets list. This fundamental mismatch in state checking leads to memory corruption when the function attempts to remove a socket reference that may no longer be valid or properly allocated in the context of its current state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and system instability. An attacker could potentially exploit this condition to trigger undefined behavior through controlled socket operations, leading to denial of service conditions or more severe consequences depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free errors in memory management, representing a classic example of improper resource handling that violates fundamental security principles.
The fix implemented resolves this issue by introducing proper state validation before performing unlink operations, ensuring that sockets are removed from their appropriate internal lists based on their current operational state. This approach follows established security practices for preventing memory safety vulnerabilities and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploiting legitimate credentials and system privileges to gain unauthorized access. The mitigation strategy requires kernel updates to ensure proper socket state management throughout the connection lifecycle, particularly during transition phases between different socket states.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the complexity inherent in managing concurrent network operations within kernel space where multiple data structures must maintain consistency across various operational states. This issue demonstrates how seemingly simple memory management functions can become critical security concerns when proper state validation is omitted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing and code review processes in kernel development environments. The fix represents a fundamental improvement in resource lifecycle management that prevents potential exploitation through memory corruption attacks targeting NFC communication protocols in Linux systems.