CVE-2026-53081

CVE-2026-53081 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-386.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Enforce regsafe base id consistency for BPF_ADD_CONST scalars When regsafe() compares two scalar registers that both carry BPF_ADD_CONST, check_scalar_ids() maps their full compound id (aka base | BPF_ADD_CONST flag) as one idmap entry. However, it never verifies that the underlying base ids, that is, with the flag stripped are consistent with existing idmap mappings. This allows construction of two verifier states where the old state has R3 = R2 + 10 (both sharing base id A) while the current state has R3 = R4 + 10 (base id C, unrelated to R2). The idmap creates two independent entries: A->B (for R2) and A|flag->C|flag (for R3), without catching that A->C conflicts with A->B. State pruning then incorrectly succeeds. Fix this by additionally verifying base ID mapping consistency whenever BPF_ADD_CONST is set: after mapping the compound ids, also invoke check_ids() on the base IDs (flag bits stripped). This ensures that if A was already mapped to B from comparing the source register, any ADD_CONST derivative must also derive from B, not an unrelated C.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-53081?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Enforce regsafe base id consistency for BPF_ADD_CONST scalars When regsafe() compares two scalar registers that both carry BPF_ADD_CONST, check_scalar_ids() maps their full compound id (aka base | BPF_ADD_CONST flag) as one idmap entry. However, it never verifies that the underlying base ids, that is, with the flag stripped are consistent with existing idmap mappings. This allows construction of two verifier states where the old state has R3 = R2 + 10 (both sharing base id A) while the current state has R3 = R4 + 10 (base id C, unrelated to R2). The idmap creates two independent entries: A->B (for R2) and A|flag->C|flag (for R3), without catching that A->C conflicts with A->B. State pruning then incorrectly succeeds. Fix this by additionally verifying base ID mapping consistency whenever BPF_ADD_CONST is set: after mapping the compound ids, also invoke check_ids() on the base IDs (flag bits stripped). This ensures that if A was already mapped to B from comparing the source register, any ADD_CONST derivative must also derive from B, not an unrelated C.
How severe is CVE-2026-53081?
CVE-2026-53081 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-2026-53081 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-2026-53081?
CVE-2026-53081 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53081?
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-2026-53081 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-53081 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-38949.
When was CVE-2026-53081 published?
CVE-2026-53081 was published on 2026-06-24 and last updated on 2026-07-23.

References

Affected products (1)

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