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CVE Record

CVE-2026-23137: of: unittest: Fix memory leak in unittest_data_add()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: of: unittest: Fix memory leak in unittest_data_add() In unittest_data_add(), if of_resolve_phandles() fails, the allocated unittest_data is not freed, leading to a memory leak. Fix this by using scope-based cleanup helper __free(kfree) for automatic resource cleanup. This ensures unittest_data is automatically freed when it goes out of scope in error paths. For the success path, use retain_and_null_ptr() to transfer ownership of the memory to the device tree and prevent double freeing.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysislow

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This CVE describes a Linux kernel memory leak in device-tree unit-test code. If a phandle resolution error occurs, allocated memory is not released. The supplied sources do not show active exploitation or a CVSS score. Business urgency appears low unless your environment exercises this kernel unittest path or carries affected kernel builds.

Executive priority

Track through normal Linux kernel patch management unless internal evidence shows this unittest path is reachable in production. No source-provided evidence supports emergency response, active exploitation, or broad remote impact.

Technical view

In unittest_data_add(), a failure from of_resolve_phandles() leaves unittest_data allocated. The fix uses __free(kfree) for scope-based cleanup and retain_and_null_ptr() on success to transfer ownership safely. References point to Linux stable commits addressing the leak.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems with affected kernel versions where the relevant device-tree unittest code can run. The bundle lists Linux as affected across broad version metadata, but exact downstream package exposure requires vendor kernel mapping.

Exploitation context

The supplied sources do not report active exploitation, and KEV is false. No public exploit, attack path, privilege requirement, or remote trigger is provided in the bundle. Treat exploitability as unproven from these sources.

Researcher notes

Key uncertainty is reachability. The CVE describes a memory leak on an error path, but the bundle does not define attacker control, required privileges, or operational impact. Validate against actual kernel source, configuration, and distribution backports.

Mitigation direction

  • Update affected Linux kernels to vendor builds containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixes and package-specific status.
  • Prioritize systems that enable or run kernel device-tree unittest functionality.
  • Avoid assuming generic kernel exposure without confirming reachable unittest code paths.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and embedded systems.
  • Map installed kernel packages to vendor advisories or the referenced stable commits.
  • Review kernel configuration and usage for device-tree unittest functionality.
  • Confirm patched builds include the memory cleanup change in unittest_data_add().
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

Public sources used

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

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2026-23137 mapping review

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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

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux2eb46da2a760e5764c48b752a5ef320e02b96b21, 2eb46da2a760e5764c48b752a5ef320e02b96b21unaffected
LinuxLinux3.18, 0, 6.18.6, 6.19affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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