CVE-2026-46121: mm/damon/sysfs-schemes: protect memcg_path kfree() with damon_sysfs_lock
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
mm/damon/sysfs-schemes: protect memcg_path kfree() with damon_sysfs_lock
Patch series "mm/damon/sysfs-schemes: fix use-after-free for [memcg_]path".
Reads of 'memcg_path' and 'path' files in DAMON sysfs interface could race
with their writes, results in use-after-free. Fix those.
This patch (of 2):
damon_sysfs_scheme_filter->mmecg_path can be read and written by users,
via DAMON sysfs memcg_path file. It can also be indirectly read, for the
parameters {on,off}line committing to DAMON. The reads for parameters
committing are protected by damon_sysfs_lock to avoid the sysfs files
being destroyed while any of the parameters are being read. But the
user-driven direct reads and writes are not protected by any lock, while
the write is deallocating the memcg_path-pointing buffer. As a result,
the readers could read the already freed buffer (user-after-free). Note
that the user-reads don't race when the same open file is used by the
writer, due to kernfs's open file locking. Nonetheless, doing the reads
and writes with separate open files would be common. Fix it by protecting
both the user-direct reads and writes with damon_sysfs_lock.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-46121 is a Linux kernel memory safety bug in the DAMON sysfs interface. Concurrent reads and writes of DAMON path-related files can race, causing use-after-free access. The source bundle does not provide a CVSS score, impact statement, or active exploitation evidence.
Executive priority
Treat as a kernel patch management item with uncertain severity. Prioritize systems where local users, containers, or services can reach DAMON sysfs, but avoid emergency classification unless vendor guidance adds impact or exploitation evidence.
Technical view
The issue affects DAMON sysfs schemes where memcg_path, and related path handling in the patch series, can be freed during writes while separate readers still access the buffer. The fix protects direct sysfs reads and writes with damon_sysfs_lock, aligning them with existing commit-path locking.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with DAMON sysfs scheme files available and users or processes able to interact with those files. The bundle lists Linux as affected but provides no distribution-specific package mapping.
Exploitation context
The bundle describes a race condition through separate open sysfs files. It does not cite public exploitation, proof-of-concept activity, KEV inclusion, remote attack paths, privilege requirements, or demonstrated impact beyond use-after-free.
Researcher notes
The core bug is a locking gap around sysfs read/write access to memcg_path. Existing commit operations used damon_sysfs_lock, but direct user reads and writes did not. The fix extends locking to prevent readers from accessing freed path buffers.
Mitigation direction
Update to a Linux kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Use distribution vendor kernel advisories and packages for supported remediation.
Map deployed kernels against the affected and fixed versions in the CVE record.
If no vendor package is available, track vendor guidance before applying custom changes.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across relevant systems.
Check whether deployed kernels include the referenced stable commit fixes.
Identify systems exposing DAMON sysfs scheme files.
Review whether users or services can access DAMON sysfs files.
Confirm vulnerability status using vendor advisories for each distribution.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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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
6Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
May 28, 2026, 09:35 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.