CVE-2026-72079: Linux kernel · Input: ims-pcu – fix use-after-free and double-free in disconnect
Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · fixed in 5.15.0-1117.124~20.04.1 : update Linux kernel when convenient.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 13:47 UTC
Rated by Threat Radar · CVSS not yet scored by NVD
- EPSS
- 0.2% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 12% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 5.15.0-1117.124~20.04.1, 5.15.0-1123.132~20.04.1, 5.15.0-1122.131~20.04.1 +41
Exploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 15 Aug 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinuxpkg:deb/ubuntu/linux?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-awspkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-azurepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-azure-fdepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-fde?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-gcppkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gcp?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-gkepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gke?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A patch is available and should be applied to affected Linux kernel versions. The vulnerability has been fixed by verifying the interface being disconnected is the control interface, preventing premature cleanup. Users should update to patched kernel versions as per vendor advisories.
Description
A use-after-free and double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ims-pcu driver was resolved. The issue arises because the disconnect function ims_pcu_disconnect() incorrectly relies on interface class to distinguish control and data interfaces, allowing a malicious device to trigger premature cleanup. This can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions and has been patched.
References
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-72079 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/293388e42e5c0865204de6f36bfb8662156fce3b (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/315f269ea04bc1477ab9bf351e939623d12a1621 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/462a999917755a3bf77448dfd64307963cf0a9f0 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/6a6c373e6a82eddc522342c8a8db7072c65f2b56 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/6aacc18004b1a915ccb8a829d30279a37988066e (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/921abbb33887052e46b1b77299f87a3c741dc580 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/a4b3f4d42fbf58f06f0d49e37a9d0d9392eca338 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/bf0b58ba489d0bdaa18c7dd8beeaeb954dd7dbb7 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-72079 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-72079 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/linus/462a999917755a3bf77448dfd64307963cf0a9f0 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8876-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8878-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8879-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8877-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8875-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8888-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8889-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8887-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8888-2 (opens in a new tab)