CVE-2026-23240

CVE-2026-23240 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. 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-362.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tls: Fix race condition in tls_sw_cancel_work_tx() This issue was discovered during a code audit. After cancel_delayed_work_sync() is called from tls_sk_proto_close(), tx_work_handler() can still be scheduled from paths such as the Delayed ACK handler or ksoftirqd. As a result, the tx_work_handler() worker may dereference a freed TLS object. The following is a simple race scenario: cpu0 cpu1 tls_sk_proto_close() tls_sw_cancel_work_tx() tls_write_space() tls_sw_write_space() if (!test_and_set_bit(BIT_TX_SCHEDULED, &tx_ctx->tx_bitmask)) set_bit(BIT_TX_SCHEDULED, &ctx->tx_bitmask); cancel_delayed_work_sync(&ctx->tx_work.work); schedule_delayed_work(&tx_ctx->tx_work.work, 0); To prevent this race condition, cancel_delayed_work_sync() is replaced with disable_delayed_work_sync().

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-23240?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tls: Fix race condition in tls_sw_cancel_work_tx() This issue was discovered during a code audit. After cancel_delayed_work_sync() is called from tls_sk_proto_close(), tx_work_handler() can still be scheduled from paths such as the Delayed ACK handler or ksoftirqd. As a result, the tx_work_handler() worker may dereference a freed TLS object. The following is a simple race scenario: cpu0 cpu1 tls_sk_proto_close() tls_sw_cancel_work_tx() tls_write_space() tls_sw_write_space() if (!test_and_set_bit(BIT_TX_SCHEDULED, &tx_ctx->tx_bitmask)) set_bit(BIT_TX_SCHEDULED, &ctx->tx_bitmask); cancel_delayed_work_sync(&ctx->tx_work.work); schedule_delayed_work(&tx_ctx->tx_work.work, 0); To prevent this race condition, cancel_delayed_work_sync() is replaced with disable_delayed_work_sync().
How severe is CVE-2026-23240?
CVE-2026-23240 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-23240 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-23240?
CVE-2026-23240 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 8 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23240?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2026-23240 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-23240 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-10575.
When was CVE-2026-23240 published?
CVE-2026-23240 was published on 2026-03-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (8)

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