CVE-2026-43011: net/x25: Fix potential double free of skb
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/x25: Fix potential double free of skb
When alloc_skb fails in x25_queue_rx_frame it calls kfree_skb(skb) at
line 48 and returns 1 (error).
This error propagates back through the call chain:
x25_queue_rx_frame returns 1
|
v
x25_state3_machine receives the return value 1 and takes the else
branch at line 278, setting queued=0 and returning 0
|
v
x25_process_rx_frame returns queued=0
|
v
x25_backlog_rcv at line 452 sees queued=0 and calls kfree_skb(skb)
again
This would free the same skb twice. Looking at x25_backlog_rcv:
net/x25/x25_in.c:x25_backlog_rcv() {
...
queued = x25_process_rx_frame(sk, skb);
...
if (!queued)
kfree_skb(skb);
}
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A Linux kernel error can free the same network packet memory twice when allocation fails in the X.25 receive path. This may crash the system or corrupt kernel memory. The supplied CVSS score is 9.8, but practical exposure depends on whether affected X.25 functionality is present and reachable.
Executive priority
Treat as an urgent investigation and patching item because kernel memory corruption can cause severe outages and the supplied severity is critical. Prioritize systems using X.25 and critical appliances. Avoid assuming every Linux host is remotely exploitable; confirm configuration and vendor package status first.
Technical view
In x25_queue_rx_frame, an allocation failure frees the skb and returns an error. That result propagates as queued=0 to x25_backlog_rcv, which frees the same skb again. Linux stable commits are supplied as fixes. The bundle does not establish reliable code-execution impact or provide distribution-specific package mappings.
Likely exposure
Likely exposure is limited to systems running affected Linux kernels where the kernel X.25 receive path is available and exercised. The supplied affected-version data is broad and contains ambiguous entries, so administrators should determine exposure using their Linux distributor’s package guidance and the referenced stable fixes.
Exploitation context
The supplied CVSS vector characterizes this as network-accessible, low-complexity, unauthenticated, and requiring no user interaction. However, the source bundle provides no proof of exploitation, exploit availability, or attacker-controlled code execution. It is not listed in KEV.
Researcher notes
The confirmed defect is a double free caused by inconsistent skb ownership during an allocation-failure path. The bundle identifies multiple stable-tree fixes but does not document trigger reliability, reachable protocol states, exploit primitives, or distribution backports. Version entries include duplicates and ambiguous values, limiting precise exposure conclusions.
Mitigation direction
Upgrade to a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable referenced Linux stable fix.
Check Linux distributor guidance for corrected package versions and required reboot instructions.
Review the supplied Siemens advisories if affected systems include relevant Siemens products.
Prioritize externally reachable or operationally critical systems using X.25 networking.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions and identify systems configured for X.25 networking.
Map installed distribution packages to vendor-fixed versions or the applicable stable commit.
After updating and rebooting, verify the running kernel is the corrected build.
Review kernel logs for memory-corruption, double-free, or unexplained crash indicators.
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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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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cve · low confidence lookup
CVE-2026-43011 mapping review
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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
11Source links
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.