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CVE Record

CVE-2026-45837: bpf: Fix use-after-free in arena_vm_close on fork

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix use-after-free in arena_vm_close on fork arena_vm_open() only bumps vml->mmap_count but never registers the child VMA in arena->vma_list. The vml->vma always points at the parent VMA, so after parent munmap the pointer dangles. If the child then calls bpf_arena_free_pages(), zap_pages() reads the stale vml->vma triggering use-after-free. Fix this by preventing the arena VMA from being inherited across fork with VM_DONTCOPY, and preventing VMA splits via the may_split callback. Also reject mremap with a .mremap callback returning -EINVAL. A same-size mremap(MREMAP_FIXED) on the full arena VMA reaches copy_vma() through the following path: check_prep_vma() - returns 0 early: new_len == old_len skips VM_DONTEXPAND check prep_move_vma() - vm_start == old_addr and vm_end == old_addr + old_len so may_split is never called move_vma() copy_vma_and_data() copy_vma() vm_area_dup() - copies vm_private_data (vml pointer) vm_ops->open() - bumps vml->mmap_count vm_ops->mremap() - returns -EINVAL, rollback unmaps new VMA The refcount ensures the rollback's arena_vm_close does not free the vml shared with the original VMA.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2026-45837 is a Linux kernel use-after-free in BPF arena VMA handling. A forked child process can retain a stale pointer after the parent unmaps memory, leading kernel code to read freed VMA data. Public sources do not state real-world exploitation, impact severity, or a complete product matrix.

Executive priority

Treat this as a kernel patch-management item with uncertain severity. It does not currently have confirmed exploitation in the provided sources, but kernel use-after-free issues can become high impact if reachable by untrusted local workloads. Prioritize verification and vendor-supported updates.

Technical view

The bug is in arena_vm_close behavior around fork. arena_vm_open increments mmap_count but does not register the child VMA in arena->vma_list, so vml->vma keeps pointing to the parent VMA. After parent munmap, bpf_arena_free_pages can make zap_pages read the stale pointer. Fixes prevent inheritance, VMA splits, and mremap handling gaps.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux kernels containing the affected BPF arena implementation. The source lists Linux versions including 6.9, 6.12.88, 6.18.30, 7.0.7, and 7.1 as affected, but the version data is inconsistent and should be verified against vendor kernel advisories.

Exploitation context

CISA KEV status is false in the bundle, and no cited source claims active exploitation. The described trigger involves local process memory-management behavior with fork, munmap, mremap, and BPF arena operations. Sources do not state remote exploitability, required privileges, or weaponized exploit availability.

Researcher notes

The key uncertainty is reachability. The source explains the stale VMA path and hardening changes, but does not provide CVSS, exploitability, privilege requirements, or impact. Validate against exact upstream commits and downstream backports before assigning operational risk.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply the relevant Linux stable kernel fixes when available from your distribution or kernel vendor.
  • Check vendor advisories before assuming upstream kernel commit coverage matches packaged kernels.
  • Prioritize internet-facing hosts only if they also allow untrusted local code execution.
  • Restrict unnecessary BPF access according to your distribution’s supported hardening guidance.
  • Track whether your fleet runs kernels in the affected version ranges.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory running kernel versions across servers, containers hosts, and developer workstations.
  • Confirm whether vendor packages include one of the referenced stable commits or equivalent backports.
  • Review whether untrusted users or workloads can exercise BPF functionality on affected systems.
  • Check security advisories for CVSS, impact, and distribution-specific affected versions.
  • Monitor for kernel update availability and successful rollout status.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

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-2026-45837 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
5Source 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
LinuxLinux317460317a02a1af512697e6e964298dedd8a163, 317460317a02a1af512697e6e964298dedd8a163, 317460317a02a1af512697e6e964298dedd8a163, 317460317a02a1af512697e6e964298dedd8a163unaffected
LinuxLinux6.9, 0, 6.12.88, 6.18.30, 7.0.7, 7.1affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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