CVE-2026-23286: atm: lec: fix null-ptr-deref in lec_arp_clear_vccs
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
atm: lec: fix null-ptr-deref in lec_arp_clear_vccs
syzkaller reported a null-ptr-deref in lec_arp_clear_vccs().
This issue can be easily reproduced using the syzkaller reproducer.
In the ATM LANE (LAN Emulation) module, the same atm_vcc can be shared by
multiple lec_arp_table entries (e.g., via entry->vcc or entry->recv_vcc).
When the underlying VCC is closed, lec_vcc_close() iterates over all
ARP entries and calls lec_arp_clear_vccs() for each matched entry.
For example, when lec_vcc_close() iterates through the hlists in
priv->lec_arp_empty_ones or other ARP tables:
1. In the first iteration, for the first matched ARP entry sharing the VCC,
lec_arp_clear_vccs() frees the associated vpriv (which is vcc->user_back)
and sets vcc->user_back to NULL.
2. In the second iteration, for the next matched ARP entry sharing the same
VCC, lec_arp_clear_vccs() is called again. It obtains a NULL vpriv from
vcc->user_back (via LEC_VCC_PRIV(vcc)) and then attempts to dereference it
via `vcc->pop = vpriv->old_pop`, leading to a null-ptr-deref crash.
Fix this by adding a null check for vpriv before dereferencing
it. If vpriv is already NULL, it means the VCC has been cleared
by a previous call, so we can safely skip the cleanup and just
clear the entry's vcc/recv_vcc pointers.
The entire cleanup block (including vcc_release_async()) is placed inside
the vpriv guard because a NULL vpriv indicates the VCC has already been
fully released by a prior iteration — repeating the teardown would
redundantly set flags and trigger callbacks on an already-closing socket.
The Fixes tag points to the initial commit because the entry->vcc path has
been vulnerable since the original code. The entry->recv_vcc path was later
added by commit 8d9f73c0ad2f ("atm: fix a memory leak of vcc->user_back")
with the same pattern, and both paths are fixed here.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-23286 is a Linux kernel crash bug in the ATM LANE networking module. When shared virtual circuits are closed, cleanup can run twice and dereference a NULL internal pointer. The public record does not show active exploitation, CVSS, or clear attack prerequisites.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability risk rather than a broad emergency. Prioritize patch validation for Linux assets using uncommon ATM networking functionality or requiring high uptime. Escalate if a vendor advisory later confirms reachable attack paths or exploitation.
Technical view
The flaw is a NULL pointer dereference in lec_arp_clear_vccs(). Multiple lec_arp_table entries can share an atm_vcc; the first cleanup frees vcc->user_back, and a later cleanup dereferences it while NULL. The upstream fix adds a vpriv NULL guard and skips redundant teardown.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems with affected kernels and the ATM LANE module/code path present. The source lists affected Linux versions and stable kernel fix commits, but does not specify distribution package status or whether common default configurations are exposed.
Exploitation context
The source says syzkaller reproduced the crash. It does not cite in-the-wild exploitation, and KEV status is false. The available evidence supports a denial-of-service style kernel crash concern, not remote code execution or privilege escalation.
Researcher notes
The record names the vulnerable function and root cause but omits CVSS, CWE, attack vector, privileges, and distribution impact. Avoid assuming exposure without confirming ATM LANE availability and kernel lineage. Fix commits are the strongest remediation evidence.
Mitigation direction
Update to a kernel release containing the referenced stable fix commits.
Check Linux distribution advisories for exact package backports and fixed versions.
Disable or avoid ATM LANE functionality where it is unnecessary and safely removable.
Prioritize systems where kernel availability is operationally critical.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and embedded systems.
Check whether ATM LANE support is built in or loadable on relevant systems.
Map deployed kernels to vendor advisories or the referenced stable commits.
Confirm patched systems no longer contain the vulnerable cleanup logic.
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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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
9Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Mar 25, 2026, 10:26 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.