CVE-2026-53212 Details
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nft_tunnel: fix use-after-free on object destroy nft_tunnel_obj_destroy() calls metadata_dst_free() which directly kfree()s the metadata_dst, ignoring the dst_entry refcount. Packets that took a reference via dst_hold() in nft_tunnel_obj_eval() and are still queued (e.g. in a netem qdisc) are left with a dangling pointer. When these packets are eventually dequeued, dst_release() operates on freed memory. Replace metadata_dst_free() with dst_release() so the metadata_dst is freed only after all references are dropped. The dst subsystem already handles metadata_dst cleanup in dst_destroy() when DST_METADATA is set.
A use-after-free vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's netfilter component, specifically within the nft_tunnel module. The issue arises in the object destruction process, where the function nft_tunnel_obj_destroy() frees a metadata destination object without properly managing reference counts. This oversight creates a dangling pointer for packets that are still queued and have not yet been processed. When these packets are eventually dequeued, they access freed memory, leading to potential instability or exploitation.
Users can upgrade to the latest version of the Linux kernel where this vulnerability has been patched. Instructions for downloading the updated kernel can be found on the official Linux kernel website.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
No SSVC data is available for this CVE.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
By selecting these links, you will be leaving this site. These are references gathered from the official CVE record and are not endorsed by Volerion.
| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/349df61526d2e39decc685d246202e3e284cfe05 | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/55b79b1ae42372012413ce0413181d26679b17ef | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5e9ee18b27fde88cb6148202b33916c66693fe82 | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8767fe4079affa74314d7eb3220e700150289842 | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/941d7394efda5e054e2d6f3e0dd0f6a9ba19aaa3 | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c32b26aaa2f9216520a38b3f4bfeec846eb3eb8a | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f9a0e4b61054cde89a2a77845293c726cc07cc43 | kernel.org | Patch |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fda6573a46ad24f35348e024905ee5bdf729797e | kernel.org | Patch |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-416 | Use After Free | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| linux linux kernel | >= 4.19, < 5.10.259 >= 5.11, < 5.15.210 >= 5.16, < 6.1.176 >= 6.2, < 6.6.143 >= 6.7, < 6.12.94 >= 6.13, < 6.18.36 >= 6.19, < 7.0.13 7.1 rc1 7.1 rc2 7.1 rc3 7.1 rc4 7.1 rc5 7.1 rc6 |
CPE
Remediation
| |
Change History
3 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Jun 28, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Jun 25, 2026 | New CVE Received | kernel.org |