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.
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.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
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May 27, 2026, 09:24 UTC (UTC+00:00)
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