Linux Kernel up to 7.1.4/7.2-rc1 BPF bpf_check allocation of resources

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.1.4/7.2-rc1. It has been declared as problematic. The affected element is the function bpf_check of the component BPF. Executing a manipulation can lead to allocation of resources. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-72401. The attack can be launched remotely. No exploit exists.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.1.4/7.2-rc1. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function bpf_check of the component BPF. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a allocation of resources vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-770. The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated, in violation of the intended security policy for that actor. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix insn_aux_data leak on verifier err_free_env path When bpf_check() allocates env->insn_aux_data successfully but later fails to allocate env->succ, it jumps directly to err_free_env. The existing vfree(env->insn_aux_data) sits before the err_free_env label, so that direct jump bypasses it and leaks insn_aux_data. Move vfree(env->insn_aux_data) into err_free_env so all early and late exit paths release it consistently.

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-72401 since 08/09/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. Additional levels of successful authentication are required for exploitation. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1499.

Upgrading to version 7.1.5 or 7.2-rc2 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch d8df91756890de058646597367507b239a6d2025/26490a375cb9be9bac96b5171610fd85ca6c2305 is able to eliminate this problem.

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 7.1.0
• 7.1.1
• 7.1.2
• 7.1.3
• 7.1.4
• 7.2-rc1

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

CPE 2.3info

• 🔒
• 🔒
• 🔒

CPE 2.2info

• 🔒
• 🔒
• 🔒

CVSSv4info

CVSSv3info

CVSSv2info

Exploitinginfo

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Countermeasuresinfo

Timelineinfo

Sourcesinfo

Entryinfo

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Discussion