Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc2 perf/core perf_event_overflow use after free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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8.4$0-$5k0.17

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc2. It has been rated as very critical. Impacted is the function perf_event_overflow of the component perf/core. Performing a manipulation results in use after free. This vulnerability is identified as CVE-2026-97961. The attack is only possible with local access. There is not any exploit available. Upgrading the affected component is advised.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as very critical, was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc2. This affects the function perf_event_overflow of the component perf/core. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf/core: Allow list_del during perf_event_overflow() A PMU might use perf_sched_cb_inc() and perf_sched_cb_dec() interface to get the PMU call back function pmu::sched_task invoked at schedule in and schedule out. This is achieved by walking along the list anchored by sched_cb_list. The following scenario might lead to a list corruption. perf_pmu_sched_task() for_each_list_entry(..., &sched_cb_list) +--> __perf_pmu_sched_task() +--> event->pmu->sched_task()) +--> PMU_push_sample() +--> perf_event_overflow() +--> __perf_event_overflow() +--> pmu->stop() +--> perf_sched_cb_dec() remove entry from sched_cb_list while list node in use. This happens when ioctl(fd, PERF_EVENT_IOC_REFRESH, xxx) has been invoked and perf_event::event_limit hits zero. Prevent the list corruption and convert for_each_list_entry() to for_each_list_entry_safe().

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-97961 since 09/25/2026. The exploitability is told to be easy. Attacking locally is a requirement. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 09/25/2026).

Upgrading to version 6.12.111, 6.18.53, 7.2.7 or 7.3-rc3 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 723e85fb2c3bcd237ac02cbd69502ed62ce0068c/6d0b9ce3be221c9077653f3670d60d66bb725ee2/e2770c76a02452fddb52e9e05c7ed6acfef06c32/59e63416f5153e7d58652c616fbdcb7d5e01fff7 is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

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Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 8.8
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 8.4

VulDB Base Score: 8.8
VulDB Temp Score: 8.4
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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

Exploitinginfo

Class: Use after free
CWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

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

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.12.111/6.18.53/7.2.7/7.3-rc3
Patch: 723e85fb2c3bcd237ac02cbd69502ed62ce0068c/6d0b9ce3be221c9077653f3670d60d66bb725ee2/e2770c76a02452fddb52e9e05c7ed6acfef06c32/59e63416f5153e7d58652c616fbdcb7d5e01fff7

Timelineinfo

09/25/2026 Advisory disclosed
09/25/2026 +0 days CVE reserved
09/25/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/25/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-97961 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-97961
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-410151

Entryinfo

Created: 09/25/2026 15:07
Changes: 09/25/2026 15:07 (59)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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