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CVE Record

CVE-2026-46011: media: mtk-jpeg: fix use-after-free in release path due to uncancelled work

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: media: mtk-jpeg: fix use-after-free in release path due to uncancelled work The mtk_jpeg_release() function frees the context structure (ctx) without first cancelling any pending or running work in ctx->jpeg_work. This creates a race window where the workqueue callback may still be accessing the context memory after it has been freed. Race condition: CPU 0 (release) CPU 1 (workqueue) ---------------- ------------------ close() mtk_jpeg_release() mtk_jpegenc_worker() ctx = work->data // accessing ctx kfree(ctx) // freed! access ctx // UAF! The work is queued via queue_work() during JPEG encode/decode operations (via mtk_jpeg_device_run). If the device is closed while work is pending or running, the work handler will access freed memory. Fix this by calling cancel_work_sync() BEFORE acquiring the mutex. This ordering is critical: if cancel_work_sync() is called after mutex_lock(), and the work handler also tries to acquire the same mutex, it would cause a deadlock. Note: The open error path does NOT need cancel_work_sync() because INIT_WORK() only initializes the work structure - it does not schedule it. Work is only scheduled later during ioctl operations.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A race in the Linux MediaTek JPEG driver can let background work access memory after it is freed when the device closes. A local low-privileged user with access to the driver may trigger kernel memory corruption, potentially affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This is not described as remotely exploitable.

Executive priority

Treat this as a high-priority local kernel update on affected MediaTek-based systems, especially shared devices or platforms running less-trusted applications. It is not supported as an internet-scale emergency because the vector is local and active exploitation is unconfirmed. Establish actual driver presence and device access before assigning broad fleet urgency.

Technical view

The mtk_jpeg_release() path frees its context while ctx->jpeg_work may remain pending or running, producing a use-after-free. The fix synchronously cancels work before taking the mutex; reversing that order could deadlock with the worker. CVSS 3.1 is 7.8: local access, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and high potential impact.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to Linux systems using the affected MediaTek JPEG driver where a low-privileged local process can access the relevant device. The supplied affected-version data includes ambiguous entries, including a raw commit and "0"; administrators should verify downstream kernel advisories and backports rather than relying only on version numbers.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not identify CISA KEV inclusion or any active exploitation, public exploit, or weaponization. The vulnerability requires local access and the ability to exercise JPEG encode or decode operations while closing the device during queued or running work. Practical exploit reliability and demonstrated security outcomes are not documented.

Researcher notes

The vulnerable lifetime transition is release versus mtk_jpegenc_worker access to ctx. Cancellation must precede mutex acquisition to avoid deadlock. INIT_WORK in the open error path does not schedule work, so cancellation is unnecessary there. The supplied version list is insufficiently clear for reliable range construction; use stable commits and downstream backport records for determination.

Mitigation direction

  • Install a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable stable fix or documented downstream backport.
  • Check distribution and device-vendor advisories for precise affected and corrected kernel versions.
  • Prioritize systems where less-trusted local users or applications can access the MediaTek JPEG device.
  • If immediate patching is unavailable, seek vendor-approved exposure-reduction guidance.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory running kernel versions and identify systems using the MediaTek JPEG driver.
  • Confirm whether untrusted or low-privileged processes can access the relevant JPEG device.
  • Compare vendor kernel changelogs or source against the five referenced stable fixes.
  • After updating, verify the corrected kernel is running and the vendor marks it fixed.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
7

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-2026-46011 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source 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.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2026-46011Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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
LinuxLinux5fb1c2361e5630491d2a2f9359654eb022601bc0, 5fb1c2361e5630491d2a2f9359654eb022601bc0, 5fb1c2361e5630491d2a2f9359654eb022601bc0, 5fb1c2361e5630491d2a2f9359654eb022601bc0, 5fb1c2361e5630491d2a2f9359654eb022601bc0unaffected
LinuxLinux6.2, 0, 6.6.140, 6.12.86, 6.18.27, 7.0.4, 7.1affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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