A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's CAIF network subsystem due to improper clearing of client service pointers during… (CVE-2026-46098)
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's CAIF network subsystem due to improper clearing of client service pointers during teardown. Specifically, caif_free_client() releases a service object but leaves a stale pointer, which is later dereferenced, causing potential kernel instability. This issue has been resolved by clearing client/service links before releasing the service object to prevent repeated teardown problems.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel CAIF networking code involves caif_connect() tearing down an existing client by calling caif_disconnect_client() and caif_free_client(). The latter frees the service layer referenced by adap_layer->dn but leaves the pointer stale. When the socket is destroyed, caif_sock_destructor() calls caif_free_client() again, dereferencing a freed service pointer, leading to a use-after-free condition. The fix involves clearing client/service pointers before freeing the service object to avoid this unsafe repeated teardown.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability can cause a use-after-free condition in the kernel, potentially leading to denial of service (system crash or instability). There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity impact. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since this is a kernel vulnerability, applying official kernel updates when available is recommended to address the issue.
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's CAIF network subsystem due to improper clearing of client service pointers during… (CVE-2026-46098)
Description
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's CAIF network subsystem due to improper clearing of client service pointers during teardown. Specifically, caif_free_client() releases a service object but leaves a stale pointer, which is later dereferenced, causing potential kernel instability. This issue has been resolved by clearing client/service links before releasing the service object to prevent repeated teardown problems.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.5medium
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel CAIF networking code involves caif_connect() tearing down an existing client by calling caif_disconnect_client() and caif_free_client(). The latter frees the service layer referenced by adap_layer->dn but leaves the pointer stale. When the socket is destroyed, caif_sock_destructor() calls caif_free_client() again, dereferencing a freed service pointer, leading to a use-after-free condition. The fix involves clearing client/service pointers before freeing the service object to avoid this unsafe repeated teardown.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability can cause a use-after-free condition in the kernel, potentially leading to denial of service (system crash or instability). There is no indication of confidentiality or integrity impact. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since this is a kernel vulnerability, applying official kernel updates when available is recommended to address the issue.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Csaf Category
- csaf_vex
- Csaf Version
- 2.0
- Publisher
- Microsoft Security Response Center
- Advisory Id
- msrc_CVE-2026-46098
- Cve Count
- 1
- Additional Cves
- []
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6a18ab7fe29bf47b50288e2a
Added to database: 05/28/2026, 20:54:23 UTC
Last enriched: 06/26/2026, 23:38:17 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 49
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