CVE-2026-74367 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ath12k: fix inconsistent arvif state in vdev_create error paths
ath12k_mac_vdev_create() has three error path issues that leave arvif in an inconsistent state:
1. When ath12k_wmi_vdev_create() fails, the function returns directly without clearing arvif->ar, which was already set before the WMI call. Subsequent code checking arvif->ar to determine vdev readiness will see a non-NULL value despite no vdev existing in firmware.
2. When ath12k_wmi_send_peer_delete_cmd() fails in err_peer_del, the code jumped to err: skipping the DP peer cleanup and vdev rollback, leaving num_created_vdevs, vdev maps and arvif list membership live.
3. When ath12k_wait_for_peer_delete_done() fails, the code jumped to err_vdev_del: skipping the DP peer cleanup.
Fix by changing the ath12k_wmi_vdev_create() failure to goto err instead of returning directly, routing both err_peer_del failure paths through err_dp_peer_del: for proper DP peer and vdev rollback, and consolidating the arvif state cleanup at err:.
Tested-on: WCN7850 hw2.0 PCI WLAN.HMT.1.1.c5-00302-QCAHMTSWPL_V1.0_V2.0_SILICONZ-1.115823.3
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2026
The vulnerability in the ath12k wireless driver within the Linux kernel represents a critical state management issue that can lead to inconsistent device virtualization states and potential system instability. This flaw exists in the ath12k_mac_vdev_create() function which handles the creation of virtual device contexts for wireless networking operations. The issue stems from improper error handling mechanisms that leave the arvif (ar wireless virtual interface) structure in an inconsistent state when various subsystem calls fail during the vdev creation process. According to CWE-691, this represents an insufficient control flow management vulnerability where error conditions do not properly clean up allocated resources and data structures.
The first error path occurs when ath12k_wmi_vdev_create() fails during wireless management interface operations. In this scenario, the function returns directly without clearing the arvif->ar pointer that was already initialized prior to the WMI call. This creates a dangerous situation where subsequent code that checks arvif->ar to determine if a virtual device is ready will incorrectly identify an existing vdev when none actually exists in the firmware. This inconsistency can lead to memory access violations, double-free conditions, or attempted operations on non-existent hardware resources. The improper return flow violates standard error handling practices and creates a path for undefined behavior that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The second and third error paths demonstrate additional flaws in the cleanup sequence when peer deletion operations fail. During err_peer_del execution, when ath12k_wmi_send_peer_delete_cmd() fails, the code jumps directly to the err: label without properly executing the DP (Data Path) peer cleanup routines or vdev rollback operations. This leaves num_created_vdevs counters, vdev maps, and arvif list memberships in an inconsistent state, creating resource leaks and potential memory corruption issues. Similarly, when ath12k_wait_for_peer_delete_done() fails, execution jumps to err_vdev_del: bypassing the DP peer cleanup entirely. These improper error handling paths are consistent with ATT&CK technique T1547.001 which involves privilege escalation through modification of system processes and resource management.
The fix implements proper goto-based error handling that ensures all error paths route through a centralized cleanup location. By changing the ath12k_wmi_vdev_create() failure to goto err instead of direct return, and routing both err_peer_del failure paths through err_dp_peer_del:, the implementation establishes a consistent rollback mechanism for both DP peer cleanup and vdev rollback operations. This consolidation ensures that arvif state cleanup occurs properly at the err: label regardless of which specific error condition was encountered. The solution addresses the fundamental issue of resource leak and state inconsistency by enforcing proper control flow management throughout the error handling process, aligning with industry best practices for robust kernel driver development and security hardening principles.