CVE-2026-46165

CVE-2026-46165 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-667.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: openvswitch: vport: fix self-deadlock on release of tunnel ports vports are used concurrently and protected by RCU, so netdev_put() must happen after the RCU grace period. So, either in an RCU call or after the synchronize_net(). The rtnl_delete_link() must happen under RTNL and so can't be executed in RCU context. Calling synchronize_net() while holding RTNL is not a good idea for performance and system stability under load in general, so calling netdev_put() in RCU call is the right solution here. However, when the device is deleted, rtnl_unlock() will call netdev_run_todo() and block until all the references are gone. In the current code this means that we never reach the call_rcu() and the vport is never freed and the reference is never released, causing a self-deadlock on device removal. Fix that by moving the rcu_call() before the rtnl_unlock(), so the scheduled RCU callback will be executed when synchronize_net() is called from the rtnl_unlock()->netdev_run_todo() while the RTNL itself is already released.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-46165?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: openvswitch: vport: fix self-deadlock on release of tunnel ports vports are used concurrently and protected by RCU, so netdev_put() must happen after the RCU grace period. So, either in an RCU call or after the synchronize_net(). The rtnl_delete_link() must happen under RTNL and so can't be executed in RCU context. Calling synchronize_net() while holding RTNL is not a good idea for performance and system stability under load in general, so calling netdev_put() in RCU call is the right solution here. However, when the device is deleted, rtnl_unlock() will call netdev_run_todo() and block until all the references are gone. In the current code this means that we never reach the call_rcu() and the vport is never freed and the reference is never released, causing a self-deadlock on device removal. Fix that by moving the rcu_call() before the rtnl_unlock(), so the scheduled RCU callback will be executed when synchronize_net() is called from the rtnl_unlock()->netdev_run_todo() while the RTNL itself is already released.
How severe is CVE-2026-46165?
CVE-2026-46165 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-2026-46165 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (1st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-46165?
CVE-2026-46165 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-2026-46165?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2026-46165 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-46165 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-32792.
When was CVE-2026-46165 published?
CVE-2026-46165 was published on 2026-05-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

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