CVE-2026-31406

CVE-2026-31406 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.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Fix work re-schedule after cancel in xfrm_nat_keepalive_net_fini() After cancel_delayed_work_sync() is called from xfrm_nat_keepalive_net_fini(), xfrm_state_fini() flushes remaining states via __xfrm_state_delete(), which calls xfrm_nat_keepalive_state_updated() to re-schedule nat_keepalive_work. The following is a simple race scenario: cpu0 cpu1 cleanup_net() [Round 1] ops_undo_list() xfrm_net_exit() xfrm_nat_keepalive_net_fini() cancel_delayed_work_sync(nat_keepalive_work); xfrm_state_fini() xfrm_state_flush() xfrm_state_delete(x) __xfrm_state_delete(x) xfrm_nat_keepalive_state_updated(x) schedule_delayed_work(nat_keepalive_work); rcu_barrier(); net_complete_free(); net_passive_dec(net); llist_add(&net->defer_free_list, &defer_free_list); cleanup_net() [Round 2] rcu_barrier(); net_complete_free() kmem_cache_free(net_cachep, net); nat_keepalive_work() // on freed net To prevent this, cancel_delayed_work_sync() is replaced with disable_delayed_work_sync().

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-31406?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Fix work re-schedule after cancel in xfrm_nat_keepalive_net_fini() After cancel_delayed_work_sync() is called from xfrm_nat_keepalive_net_fini(), xfrm_state_fini() flushes remaining states via __xfrm_state_delete(), which calls xfrm_nat_keepalive_state_updated() to re-schedule nat_keepalive_work. The following is a simple race scenario: cpu0 cpu1 cleanup_net() [Round 1] ops_undo_list() xfrm_net_exit() xfrm_nat_keepalive_net_fini() cancel_delayed_work_sync(nat_keepalive_work); xfrm_state_fini() xfrm_state_flush() xfrm_state_delete(x) __xfrm_state_delete(x) xfrm_nat_keepalive_state_updated(x) schedule_delayed_work(nat_keepalive_work); rcu_barrier(); net_complete_free(); net_passive_dec(net); llist_add(&net->defer_free_list, &defer_free_list); cleanup_net() [Round 2] rcu_barrier(); net_complete_free() kmem_cache_free(net_cachep, net); nat_keepalive_work() // on freed net To prevent this, cancel_delayed_work_sync() is replaced with disable_delayed_work_sync().
How severe is CVE-2026-31406?
CVE-2026-31406 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-2026-31406 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-31406?
CVE-2026-31406 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-31406?
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-2026-31406 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-31406 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-19198.
When was CVE-2026-31406 published?
CVE-2026-31406 was published on 2026-04-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

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