CVE-2026-23077: mm/vma: fix anon_vma UAF on mremap() faulted, unfaulted merge
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
mm/vma: fix anon_vma UAF on mremap() faulted, unfaulted merge
Patch series "mm/vma: fix anon_vma UAF on mremap() faulted, unfaulted
merge", v2.
Commit 879bca0a2c4f ("mm/vma: fix incorrectly disallowed anonymous VMA
merges") introduced the ability to merge previously unavailable VMA merge
scenarios.
However, it is handling merges incorrectly when it comes to mremap() of a
faulted VMA adjacent to an unfaulted VMA. The issues arise in three
cases:
1. Previous VMA unfaulted:
copied -----|
v
|-----------|.............|
| unfaulted |(faulted VMA)|
|-----------|.............|
prev
2. Next VMA unfaulted:
copied -----|
v
|.............|-----------|
|(faulted VMA)| unfaulted |
|.............|-----------|
next
3. Both adjacent VMAs unfaulted:
copied -----|
v
|-----------|.............|-----------|
| unfaulted |(faulted VMA)| unfaulted |
|-----------|.............|-----------|
prev next
This series fixes each of these cases, and introduces self tests to assert
that the issues are corrected.
I also test a further case which was already handled, to assert that my
changes continues to correctly handle it:
4. prev unfaulted, next faulted:
copied -----|
v
|-----------|.............|-----------|
| unfaulted |(faulted VMA)| faulted |
|-----------|.............|-----------|
prev next
This bug was discovered via a syzbot report, linked to in the first patch
in the series, I confirmed that this series fixes the bug.
I also discovered that we are failing to check that the faulted VMA was
not forked when merging a copied VMA in cases 1-3 above, an issue this
series also addresses.
I also added self tests to assert that this is resolved (and confirmed
that the tests failed prior to this).
I also cleaned up vma_expand() as part of this work, renamed
vma_had_uncowed_parents() to vma_is_fork_child() as the previous name was
unduly confusing, and simplified the comments around this function.
This patch (of 4):
Commit 879bca0a2c4f ("mm/vma: fix incorrectly disallowed anonymous VMA
merges") introduced the ability to merge previously unavailable VMA merge
scenarios.
The key piece of logic introduced was the ability to merge a faulted VMA
immediately next to an unfaulted VMA, which relies upon dup_anon_vma() to
correctly handle anon_vma state.
In the case of the merge of an existing VMA (that is changing properties
of a VMA and then merging if those properties are shared by adjacent
VMAs), dup_anon_vma() is invoked correctly.
However in the case of the merge of a new VMA, a corner case peculiar to
mremap() was missed.
The issue is that vma_expand() only performs dup_anon_vma() if the target
(the VMA that will ultimately become the merged VMA): is not the next VMA,
i.e. the one that appears after the range in which the new VMA is to be
established.
A key insight here is that in all other cases other than mremap(), a new
VMA merge either expands an existing VMA, meaning that the target VMA will
be that VMA, or would have anon_vma be NULL.
Specifically:
* __mmap_region() - no anon_vma in place, initial mapping.
* do_brk_flags() - expanding an existing VMA.
* vma_merge_extend() - expanding an existing VMA.
* relocate_vma_down() - no anon_vma in place, initial mapping.
In addition, we are in the unique situation of needing to duplicate
anon_vma state from a VMA that is neither the previous or next VMA being
merged with.
dup_anon_vma() deals exclusively with the target=unfaulted, src=faulted
case. This leaves four possibilities, in each case where the copied VMA
is faulted:
1. Previous VMA unfaulted:
copied -----|
---truncated---
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-23077 is a Linux kernel memory-management bug. A local user with low privileges could potentially trigger a use-after-free during specific mremap() and anonymous VMA merge behavior, risking full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. The source does not show known active exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat this as high priority where local code execution is available to many users or tenants. Single-user managed endpoints are still affected if they run vulnerable kernels, but business urgency is greatest for shared Linux infrastructure.
Technical view
The flaw is an anon_vma use-after-free in Linux mm/vma handling when mremap() merges a faulted copied VMA with adjacent unfaulted VMAs. The issue was introduced by commit 879bca0a2c4f and addressed by stable kernel patches with added self-tests for the affected merge cases.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant on Linux systems running affected kernels, especially shared servers, container hosts, CI workers, and systems where untrusted or semi-trusted users can execute local code. Network-only exposure is not indicated by the CVSS vector.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. KEV is false in the provided bundle, and no cited source states active exploitation. The bug was discovered via syzbot, according to the kernel description.
Researcher notes
Focus review on Linux mm/vma mremap() behavior and anon_vma state duplication during merges of faulted copied VMAs with unfaulted adjacent VMAs. The source names stable commits but does not provide exploit details or distribution-specific fixed package versions.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the referenced stable fixes.
Check distribution guidance for backport status and supported mitigation.
Prioritize shared compute, container hosts, CI runners, and shell-access systems.
Reduce untrusted local workload exposure until affected systems are patched.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers and workstation fleets.
Compare running kernels with the CVE affected version data.
Check vendor changelogs for the referenced stable commit IDs.
Track exception owners and patch dates for deferred systems.
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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3Timeline events
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CVSS vector scores
1 official score
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