CVE-2026-74725

enic: fix tx_hang_reset use-after-free on device removal

Published Aug 22, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 7.8 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

enic: fix tx_hang_reset use-after-free on device removal

enic_remove() cancels the reset and change_mtu_work items but does not
cancel tx_hang_reset. A TX timeout that fires while the device is being
removed can schedule enic_tx_hang_reset() so that it runs after
free_netdev(), resulting in a use-after-free.

cancel_work_sync() alone is not sufficient here: the still-live watchdog
and notify paths can re-schedule these work items in the window between
the cancel and unregister_netdev(). Use disable_work_sync(), which
cancels the work and blocks any subsequent schedule_work() from
requeuing it, and apply it to the reset and change_mtu_work items as
well so the same requeue race is closed for all teardown work.

Analysis

AI-generated

Technical impact

The Linux kernel contains a use‑after‑free flaw in the enic network driver when a device is removed. During device teardown, the tx_hang_reset work item is not cancelled, which allows a TX timeout to fire after the device struct has been freed. The resulting use‑after‑free can corrupt kernel memory, potentially leading to a crash or arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. This weakness is a classic example of an internal kernel race condition that can be leveraged by an attacker who can influence device removal or generate a timeout.

Affected Systems

Linux Kernel. No specific affected kernel versions are listed in the CVE data; the issue applies to any kernel build containing the enic driver prior to the fix committed in the referenced patches.

Risk and Exploitability

Because the flaw is a use‑after‑free in kernel space, the CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high‑severity vulnerability that can lead to privilege escalation or denial of service. The EPSS score of < 1% suggests a very low probability of exploitation at this time, and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA’s KEV catalog. Nevertheless, the kernel’s critical role means that any successful exploitation could have catastrophic impact.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade the kernel to a version that includes the enic tx_hang_reset use‑after‑free fix.
  • Reinstall or rebuild the initramfs with the updated kernel, then reboot the system to ensure the patch is active.
  • After the update, monitor system logs for any enic or network‑device related errors during shutdown or device removal to confirm the race condition has been fully closed.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 25, 2026 at 17:34 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4788-1 linux-6.12 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6466-1 linux security update
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-9019-1 Linux kernel (Azure) vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-9020-1 Linux kernel vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-416
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-416
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-416
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-416
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: enic: fix tx_hang_reset use-after-free on device removal enic_remove() cancels the reset and change_mtu_work items but does not cancel tx_hang_reset. A TX timeout that fires while the device is being removed can schedule enic_tx_hang_reset() so that it runs after free_netdev(), resulting in a use-after-free. cancel_work_sync() alone is not sufficient here: the still-live watchdog and notify paths can re-schedule these work items in the window between the cancel and unregister_netdev(). Use disable_work_sync(), which cancels the work and blocks any subsequent schedule_work() from requeuing it, and apply it to the reset and change_mtu_work items as well so the same requeue race is closed for all teardown work.
Title enic: fix tx_hang_reset use-after-free on device removal
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References
Weaknesses
  • CWE-364

    Signal Handler Race Condition

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
Linux
Published
Updated
Oct 16, 2026, 7:16 PM
Reserved
Aug 15, 2026, 5:44 AM
Status
Received
Published
Aug 22, 2026, 4:16 PM
Modified
Oct 16, 2026, 8:17 PM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Aug 22, 2026, 12:00 AM