Linux Kernel up to 6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc2 configfs fs/configfs/symlink.c configfs_get_config_item use after free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.4$0-$5k0.00+

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc2. This impacts the function configfs_get_config_item of the file fs/configfs/symlink.c of the component configfs. Performing a manipulation results in use after free. This vulnerability is cataloged as CVE-2026-97949. The attack must be initiated from a local position. There is no exploit available. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc2. It has been classified as critical. This affects the function configfs_get_config_item of the file fs/configfs/symlink.c of the component configfs. 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: configfs: unhash the dentry before dropping the item in rmdir configfs_get_config_item() treats a hashed dentry as proof that sd->s_element is a live config_item. configfs_rmdir() breaks that: simple_rmdir() leaves the dentry hashed, the last reference to the item is dropped right after, and the dentry is only unhashed by d_delete() once ->rmdir() has returned. configfs_symlink() resolves its target holding no lock on it, so get_target() can land in that window: BUG: KASAN: slab-use-after-free in config_item_get+0x26/0x90 get_target fs/configfs/symlink.c:128 [inline] configfs_symlink+0x4ab/0x1030 fs/configfs/symlink.c:185 Unhash in configfs_remove_dir(), while the item is still guaranteed to be there. A reference obtained just before that stays harmless, as create_link() rechecks CONFIGFS_USET_DROPPING, already set by configfs_detach_prep(). Both configfs_unregister_subsystem() paths d_drop() after detaching, so this only makes rmdir match them.

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-97949 since 09/25/2026. The exploitability is told to be easy. Attacking locally is a requirement. Additional levels of successful authentication are needed for exploitation. It demands that the victim is doing some kind of user interaction. 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 6.18.53, 7.2.7 or 7.3-rc3 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 5d7cbfb65e47cc71d5d94d87d5d0d1679080f3eb/925d8564f1b2d9b46c5ab63b9bc942cea006da9b/f06c2d26d1999d37e93299db0ecead04ca7d0b9f 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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Version

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.7
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.4

VulDB Base Score: 7.7
VulDB Temp Score: 7.4
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: Partially

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 6.18.53/7.2.7/7.3-rc3
Patch: 5d7cbfb65e47cc71d5d94d87d5d0d1679080f3eb/925d8564f1b2d9b46c5ab63b9bc942cea006da9b/f06c2d26d1999d37e93299db0ecead04ca7d0b9f

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-2026-97949 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-97949
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-410199

Entryinfo

Created: 09/25/2026 15:35
Changes: 09/25/2026 15:35 (60)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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