CVE-2026-64224 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/24/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
octeontx2-pf: fix double free in rvu_rep_rsrc_init()
rvu_rep_rsrc_init() allocates queue memory before calling otx2_init_hw_resources(). When hardware resource setup fails, otx2_init_hw_resources() already unwinds the partially initialized SQ, CQ, and aura state before returning an error. The representor error path then calls otx2_free_hw_resources() again and can free the same resources a second time.
Fix this by splitting the cleanup labels so that a failure from otx2_init_hw_resources() only releases queue memory. Keep the otx2_free_hw_resources() call for failures that happen after hardware resource initialization completed successfully.
The bug was first flagged by an experimental analysis tool we are developing for kernel memory-management bugs while analyzing v6.13-rc1. The tool is still under development and is not yet publicly available. Manual inspection confirms that the bug is still present in v7.1-rc3.
Runtime validation was not performed because reproducing this path requires OcteonTX2 representor hardware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel represents a critical double free condition within the octeontx2-pf driver subsystem, specifically within the rvu_rep_rsrc_init() function. This flaw arises from improper resource management during hardware initialization sequences where memory allocation and deallocation operations collide, creating potential for system instability and security exploits. The issue manifests when queue memory is allocated prior to calling otx2_init_hw_resources(), which subsequently handles hardware resource setup and partial cleanup on failure conditions. The fundamental problem stems from the lack of proper state tracking between different cleanup paths, resulting in identical resources being freed twice.
The technical implementation flaw occurs due to inadequate separation of error handling logic within the resource initialization flow. When otx2_init_hw_resources() encounters a failure during hardware setup, it correctly unwinds the partially initialized SQ, CQ, and aura state through its own cleanup mechanisms before returning an error code. However, the subsequent representor error path in rvu_rep_rsrc_init() does not distinguish between different failure scenarios and indiscriminately calls otx2_free_hw_resources() regardless of whether hardware initialization succeeded or failed. This design oversight creates a race condition where already-freed resources are targeted for a second deallocation, violating fundamental memory management principles and potentially leading to heap corruption.
This vulnerability presents significant operational impact within kernel security contexts, particularly in environments utilizing OcteonTX2 network processing hardware where representor functionality is essential. The double free condition can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure depending on exploitation circumstances. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a memory safety violation that aligns with CWE-415 (Double Free) and CWE-416 (Use After Free) categories within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python) through potential exploitation vectors involving kernel memory manipulation, though this mapping is more indirect given the low-level nature of the flaw.
The mitigation strategy requires careful restructuring of the error handling pathways within the initialization function by splitting cleanup labels to ensure proper resource state management. The fix implements a conditional approach where failure from otx2_init_hw_resources() only releases queue memory while preserving the otx2_free_hw_resources() call for subsequent failures that occur after successful hardware initialization. This approach aligns with industry best practices for defensive programming and follows established kernel memory management patterns found in similar subsystems. The solution addresses the root cause by maintaining proper state boundaries between different initialization phases and preventing overlapping cleanup operations, thereby eliminating the possibility of double-free conditions while preserving system stability.
The vulnerability was initially detected through an experimental analysis tool designed to identify kernel memory-management bugs, demonstrating the importance of automated static analysis in modern security practices. This detection methodology complements traditional manual code review processes and highlights emerging approaches for identifying subtle kernel-level flaws before they can be exploited in production environments. The fact that the bug persisted through multiple kernel versions including v7.1-rc3 underscores the need for comprehensive testing procedures during kernel development cycles, particularly for hardware-specific drivers where runtime validation is challenging due to specialized hardware requirements. The absence of runtime validation during the vulnerability assessment process reflects the inherent limitations in reproducing certain kernel-level memory issues without access to specific hardware platforms, emphasizing the critical role of static analysis and code review methodologies in identifying such vulnerabilities.