Linux Kernel up to 6.18.5 unittest_data_add double free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.5$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.5. It has been classified as critical. The impacted element is the function unittest_data_add. The manipulation leads to double free. This vulnerability is documented as CVE-2026-23137. There is not any exploit available. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.5 and classified as critical. This issue affects the function unittest_data_add. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a double free vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-415. The product calls free() twice on the same memory address, potentially leading to modification of unexpected memory locations. Impacted is availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: of: unittest: Fix memory leak in unittest_data_add() In unittest_data_add(), if of_resolve_phandles() fails, the allocated unittest_data is not freed, leading to a memory leak. Fix this by using scope-based cleanup helper __free(kfree) for automatic resource cleanup. This ensures unittest_data is automatically freed when it goes out of scope in error paths. For the success path, use retain_and_null_ptr() to transfer ownership of the memory to the device tree and prevent double freeing.

The advisory is shared at git.kernel.org. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-23137 since 01/13/2026. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 03/18/2026).

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 299076 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-23137), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 6.18.6 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch f09b0f705bd7197863b90256ef533a6414d1db2c/235a1eb8d2dcc49a6cf0a5ee1aa85544a5d0054b is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (299076). Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Version

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.6
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.5

VulDB Base Score: 5.7
VulDB Temp Score: 5.5
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 5.5
NVD Vector: 🔒

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Double free
CWE: CWE-415 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 299076
Nessus Name: Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-23137

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.18.6
Patch: f09b0f705bd7197863b90256ef533a6414d1db2c/235a1eb8d2dcc49a6cf0a5ee1aa85544a5d0054b

Timelineinfo

01/13/2026 CVE reserved
02/14/2026 +32 days Advisory disclosed
02/14/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
03/18/2026 +32 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-23137 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-23137
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-346001

Entryinfo

Created: 02/14/2026 17:45
Updated: 03/18/2026 02:15
Changes: 02/14/2026 17:45 (58), 02/15/2026 02:38 (2), 02/19/2026 10:00 (1), 03/18/2026 02:15 (10)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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