CVE-2026-53235

CVE-2026-53235 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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: net: add pskb_may_pull() to skb_gro_receive_list() skb_gro_receive_list() calls skb_pull(skb, skb_gro_offset(skb)) without first ensuring the data is in the linear area via pskb_may_pull(). When the skb arrives via napi_gro_frags(), skb_headlen can be 0 (all data in page fragments) while skb_gro_offset is non-zero (after IP+TCP header parsing). The skb_pull() then decrements skb->len by skb_gro_offset but skb->data_len stays unchanged, hitting BUG_ON(skb->len < skb->data_len) in __skb_pull(). The UDP fraglist GRO path already contains this guard at udp_offload.c:749. Adding it to skb_gro_receive_list() itself provides centralized protection for all callers (TCP, UDP, and any future protocols), and ensures the precondition of skb_pull() is satisfied before it is called. On pskb_may_pull() failure, set NAPI_GRO_CB(skb)->flush = 1 so the skb is not held as a new GRO head and is instead delivered through the normal receive path, matching the UDP handling.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-53235?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: add pskb_may_pull() to skb_gro_receive_list() skb_gro_receive_list() calls skb_pull(skb, skb_gro_offset(skb)) without first ensuring the data is in the linear area via pskb_may_pull(). When the skb arrives via napi_gro_frags(), skb_headlen can be 0 (all data in page fragments) while skb_gro_offset is non-zero (after IP+TCP header parsing). The skb_pull() then decrements skb->len by skb_gro_offset but skb->data_len stays unchanged, hitting BUG_ON(skb->len < skb->data_len) in __skb_pull(). The UDP fraglist GRO path already contains this guard at udp_offload.c:749. Adding it to skb_gro_receive_list() itself provides centralized protection for all callers (TCP, UDP, and any future protocols), and ensures the precondition of skb_pull() is satisfied before it is called. On pskb_may_pull() failure, set NAPI_GRO_CB(skb)->flush = 1 so the skb is not held as a new GRO head and is instead delivered through the normal receive path, matching the UDP handling.
How severe is CVE-2026-53235?
CVE-2026-53235 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-53235 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-53235?
CVE-2026-53235 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-2026-53235?
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-2026-53235 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-53235 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-39326.
When was CVE-2026-53235 published?
CVE-2026-53235 was published on 2026-06-25 and last updated on 2026-07-08.

References

Affected products (8)

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