CVE-2026-43216

CVE-2026-43216 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. 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-476.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: Drop the lock in skb_may_tx_timestamp() skb_may_tx_timestamp() may acquire sock::sk_callback_lock. The lock must not be taken in IRQ context, only softirq is okay. A few drivers receive the timestamp via a dedicated interrupt and complete the TX timestamp from that handler. This will lead to a deadlock if the lock is already write-locked on the same CPU. Taking the lock can be avoided. The socket (pointed by the skb) will remain valid until the skb is released. The ->sk_socket and ->file member will be set to NULL once the user closes the socket which may happen before the timestamp arrives. If we happen to observe the pointer while the socket is closing but before the pointer is set to NULL then we may use it because both pointer (and the file's cred member) are RCU freed. Drop the lock. Use READ_ONCE() to obtain the individual pointer. Add a matching WRITE_ONCE() where the pointer are cleared.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-43216?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: Drop the lock in skb_may_tx_timestamp() skb_may_tx_timestamp() may acquire sock::sk_callback_lock. The lock must not be taken in IRQ context, only softirq is okay. A few drivers receive the timestamp via a dedicated interrupt and complete the TX timestamp from that handler. This will lead to a deadlock if the lock is already write-locked on the same CPU. Taking the lock can be avoided. The socket (pointed by the skb) will remain valid until the skb is released. The ->sk_socket and ->file member will be set to NULL once the user closes the socket which may happen before the timestamp arrives. If we happen to observe the pointer while the socket is closing but before the pointer is set to NULL then we may use it because both pointer (and the file's cred member) are RCU freed. Drop the lock. Use READ_ONCE() to obtain the individual pointer. Add a matching WRITE_ONCE() where the pointer are cleared.
How severe is CVE-2026-43216?
CVE-2026-43216 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-43216 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (3rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-43216?
CVE-2026-43216 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-43216?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2026-43216 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-43216 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-27776.
When was CVE-2026-43216 published?
CVE-2026-43216 was published on 2026-05-06 and last updated on 2026-07-04.

References

Affected products (2)

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