CVE-2026-23216

CVE-2026-23216 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: target: iscsi: Fix use-after-free in iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count() In iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count(), the function calls complete() while holding the conn->conn_usage_lock. As soon as complete() is invoked, the waiter (such as iscsit_close_connection()) may wake up and proceed to free the iscsit_conn structure. If the waiter frees the memory before the current thread reaches spin_unlock_bh(), it results in a KASAN slab-use-after-free as the function attempts to release a lock within the already-freed connection structure. Fix this by releasing the spinlock before calling complete().

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-23216?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: target: iscsi: Fix use-after-free in iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count() In iscsit_dec_conn_usage_count(), the function calls complete() while holding the conn->conn_usage_lock. As soon as complete() is invoked, the waiter (such as iscsit_close_connection()) may wake up and proceed to free the iscsit_conn structure. If the waiter frees the memory before the current thread reaches spin_unlock_bh(), it results in a KASAN slab-use-after-free as the function attempts to release a lock within the already-freed connection structure. Fix this by releasing the spinlock before calling complete().
How severe is CVE-2026-23216?
CVE-2026-23216 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-23216 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-23216?
CVE-2026-23216 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23216?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2026-23216 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-23216 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-8019.
When was CVE-2026-23216 published?
CVE-2026-23216 was published on 2026-02-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

More vulnerabilities in Linux Linux Kernel

All CVEs affecting Linux Linux Kernel →

Other CWE-416 (Use After Free) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-416 (Use After Free) vulnerabilities →