In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Fix skb double-free in xfrm_dev_direct_output() A return value other than… (CVE-2026-92489)
A critical double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's xfrm subsystem was resolved. The issue occurs in the function xfrm_dev_direct_output() where a packet buffer (skb) is freed twice if local_out() returns a value other than 1, leading to memory corruption. This happens because xfrm_dev_direct_output() frees the skb regardless of ownership transfer, causing invalid memory operations when netfilter drops the packet. The fix ensures the function returns the local_out() result directly, aligning with proper ownership handling.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-92489 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's xfrm subsystem involving a double-free of the socket buffer (skb) in xfrm_dev_direct_output(). When local_out() returns a value other than 1, it indicates the skb has been consumed or ownership transferred. However, xfrm_dev_direct_output() incorrectly frees the skb again, causing a double-free if netfilter drops the packet. This memory corruption flaw can lead to system instability or potential exploitation. The patch corrects this by returning the local_out() result directly, matching the ownership semantics used in xfrm_output_resume().
Potential Impact
The double-free vulnerability can cause memory corruption, leading to system crashes or potential arbitrary code execution in the Linux kernel. Given the kernel's critical role, exploitation could compromise system integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the high severity and ease of exploitation without privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix for this vulnerability has been implemented in the Linux kernel. Users and administrators should apply the official kernel updates that include this patch to remediate the issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the fix.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Fix skb double-free in xfrm_dev_direct_output() A return value other than… (CVE-2026-92489)
Description
A critical double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's xfrm subsystem was resolved. The issue occurs in the function xfrm_dev_direct_output() where a packet buffer (skb) is freed twice if local_out() returns a value other than 1, leading to memory corruption. This happens because xfrm_dev_direct_output() frees the skb regardless of ownership transfer, causing invalid memory operations when netfilter drops the packet. The fix ensures the function returns the local_out() result directly, aligning with proper ownership handling.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-92489 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's xfrm subsystem involving a double-free of the socket buffer (skb) in xfrm_dev_direct_output(). When local_out() returns a value other than 1, it indicates the skb has been consumed or ownership transferred. However, xfrm_dev_direct_output() incorrectly frees the skb again, causing a double-free if netfilter drops the packet. This memory corruption flaw can lead to system instability or potential exploitation. The patch corrects this by returning the local_out() result directly, matching the ownership semantics used in xfrm_output_resume().
Potential Impact
The double-free vulnerability can cause memory corruption, leading to system crashes or potential arbitrary code execution in the Linux kernel. Given the kernel's critical role, exploitation could compromise system integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the high severity and ease of exploitation without privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix for this vulnerability has been implemented in the Linux kernel. Users and administrators should apply the official kernel updates that include this patch to remediate the issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the fix.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-x3mf-vgc4-phvg
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-92489"]
- Database Specific Severity
- CRITICAL
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6aade51955bf5e2cf5edc045
Added to database: 09/19/2026, 01:27:53 UTC
Last enriched: 09/19/2026, 01:44:52 UTC
Last updated: 09/19/2026, 01:44:52 UTC
Views: 2
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