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CVE Record

CVE-2026-23012: mm/damon/core: remove call_control in inactive contexts

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mm/damon/core: remove call_control in inactive contexts If damon_call() is executed against a DAMON context that is not running, the function returns error while keeping the damon_call_control object linked to the context's call_controls list. Let's suppose the object is deallocated after the damon_call(), and yet another damon_call() is executed against the same context. The function tries to add the new damon_call_control object to the call_controls list, which still has the pointer to the previous damon_call_control object, which is deallocated. As a result, use-after-free happens. This can actually be triggered using the DAMON sysfs interface. It is not easily exploitable since it requires the sysfs write permission and making a definitely weird file writes, though. Please refer to the report for more details about the issue reproduction steps. Fix the issue by making two changes. Firstly, move the final kdamond_call() for cancelling all existing damon_call() requests from terminating DAMON context to be done before the ctx->kdamond reset. This makes any code that sees NULL ctx->kdamond can safely assume the context may not access damon_call() requests anymore. Secondly, let damon_call() to cleanup the damon_call_control objects that were added to the already-terminated DAMON context, before returning the error.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a Linux kernel use-after-free in DAMON memory-monitoring code. It is potentially serious because kernel memory corruption can affect system stability or privilege boundaries, but the source says triggering it requires DAMON sysfs write permission and unusual writes, making broad exploitation less likely.

Executive priority

Treat as a local kernel hardening issue, not an internet-wide emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize patching shared, multi-user, container-host, and administrative systems where local write access to kernel interfaces has higher business impact.

Technical view

damon_call() can return an error for an inactive DAMON context while leaving a damon_call_control object linked. If that object is freed, a later damon_call() on the same context can interact with a stale list pointer, causing use-after-free. The referenced fixes clean up queued call controls and change termination ordering.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on systems running affected Linux kernels with DAMON sysfs enabled and writable by a local user or service. The bundle lists Linux 6.17, 6.18.7, and 6.19-related version data, but distribution backports must be checked directly.

Exploitation context

The CVE source states this can be triggered through the DAMON sysfs interface, but is not easily exploitable because it requires sysfs write permission and unusual file writes. KEV is false, and the bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation.

Researcher notes

The key condition is an inactive DAMON context retaining a freed call_control list entry. The source does not provide CVSS, CWE, exploit maturity, or distro-specific fixed versions. Avoid assuming exploitability beyond local DAMON sysfs write access.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to a kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for backported CVE-2026-23012 fixes.
  • Restrict DAMON sysfs write access to trusted administrative users.
  • Disable or avoid exposing DAMON interfaces where not operationally required.
  • Monitor vendor guidance for corrected package versions.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory systems running Linux kernels in the affected version range.
  • Confirm whether DAMON sysfs is enabled and writable locally.
  • Check kernel package changelogs for CVE-2026-23012 or referenced commits.
  • Verify distribution kernels include the stable fixes or equivalent backports.
  • Review local access paths that could write to DAMON sysfs.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
4

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

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Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux004ded6bee11b8ed463cdc54b89a4390f4b64f6d, 004ded6bee11b8ed463cdc54b89a4390f4b64f6dunaffected
LinuxLinux6.17, 0, 6.18.7, 6.19affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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