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CVE Record

CVE-2026-43216: net: Drop the lock in skb_may_tx_timestamp()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: Drop the lock in skb_may_tx_timestamp() skb_may_tx_timestamp() may acquire sock::sk_callback_lock. The lock must not be taken in IRQ context, only softirq is okay. A few drivers receive the timestamp via a dedicated interrupt and complete the TX timestamp from that handler. This will lead to a deadlock if the lock is already write-locked on the same CPU. Taking the lock can be avoided. The socket (pointed by the skb) will remain valid until the skb is released. The ->sk_socket and ->file member will be set to NULL once the user closes the socket which may happen before the timestamp arrives. If we happen to observe the pointer while the socket is closing but before the pointer is set to NULL then we may use it because both pointer (and the file's cred member) are RCU freed. Drop the lock. Use READ_ONCE() to obtain the individual pointer. Add a matching WRITE_ONCE() where the pointer are cleared.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A Linux networking flaw can deadlock the kernel when certain network drivers complete transmit timestamps from a dedicated hardware interrupt. An affected system could become unresponsive, creating an availability risk. The supplied sources do not establish severity, practical attacker reachability, or active exploitation.

Executive priority

Treat as a targeted availability remediation rather than a confirmed emergency. Promptly inventory exposed kernel and driver combinations, then apply supported updates during the next appropriate maintenance window. Escalate priority for critical network systems using hardware transmit timestamping or experiencing unexplained hangs.

Technical view

skb_may_tx_timestamp() could acquire sk_callback_lock in IRQ context, where that lock is unsafe. If already write-locked on the same CPU, timestamp completion can deadlock. The kernel fix removes the lock, reads socket pointers with READ_ONCE(), and adds matching WRITE_ONCE() operations when clearing them.

Likely exposure

Exposure requires an affected Linux kernel and a driver that completes transmit timestamps from a dedicated interrupt. Systems using transmit hardware timestamping may warrant closer review. The supplied version data identifies affected releases but does not specify distributions, hardware models, configurations, privileges, or remote reachability.

Exploitation context

The source bundle marks this CVE as absent from KEV and provides no evidence of active exploitation, public proof-of-concept activity, or weaponization. It describes a deadlock condition, but does not establish whether an unprivileged local or remote actor can reliably trigger it.

Researcher notes

The stated fault is improper lock acquisition in hard IRQ context, producing a same-CPU deadlock when sk_callback_lock is already write-held. Socket lifetime remains protected until skb release, while socket and credential-related objects are RCU-freed. The sources do not provide CVSS, CWE, trigger prerequisites, crash traces, or exploitability analysis.

Mitigation direction

  • Install a vendor-supported kernel update containing the applicable referenced stable fix.
  • Check distribution advisories for package-specific fixed versions and required reboot guidance.
  • Prioritize systems using transmit hardware timestamping or relevant interrupt-driven network drivers.
  • If updates are unavailable, request vendor guidance for supported temporary mitigations.

Validation and detection

  • Record each system's running kernel version, distribution package release, and network drivers.
  • Map vendor package changelogs to the applicable referenced Linux stable commit.
  • Confirm the updated kernel is running after installation and any required reboot.
  • Review logs and monitoring for unexplained hangs associated with transmit timestamp activity.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
10

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-2026-43216 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
9Source 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.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxb245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3, b245be1f4db1a0394e4b6eb66059814b46670ac3unaffected
LinuxLinux4.0, 0, 5.10.261, 5.15.212, 6.1.178, 6.6.145, 6.12.95, 6.18.16, 6.19.6, 7.0affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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