Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

wifi: libertas_tf: fix UAF in lbtf_free_adapter()

lbtf_free_adapter() calls lbtf_free_cmd_buffer() to free the command
buffers before calling timer_delete_sync() to wait for the command
timer callback. If the timer callback (command_timer_fn) is already
running when lbtf_free_cmd_buffer() frees the command array, the
callback dereferences priv->cur_cmd->cmdbuf which points to freed
memory.

Swap the order so that timer_delete_sync() runs first, ensuring any
in-flight callback has completed before the command buffers are freed.
Published: 2026-10-06
Score: 5.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Use‑After‑Free in a Wi‑Fi driver that can lead to memory corruption and possible arbitrary code execution
Action: Immediate Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

The vulnerability originates in the libertas_tf Wi‑Fi driver, where the function lbtf_free_adapter() frees command buffers before ensuring an associated timer callback has finished. If the callback runs after the memory has been released, it dereferences freed memory, which can corrupt kernel memory or, in worst case, allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by influencing the freed data.

Affected Systems

The flaw affects the Linux kernel’s libertas_tf driver in any kernel compilation that lacks the commit swapping the order of lbtf_free_cmd_buffer() and timer_delete_sync(). No explicit version range is provided, so any kernel built without that order correction may be vulnerable.

Risk and Exploitability

The EPSS score is reported as less than 1%, indicating a very low but non‑zero probability of exploitation. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog, and no public exploitation evidence is available. The most likely attack vector is local, involving interactions with the Wi‑Fi subsystem that trigger the timer callback during driver teardown or firmware operations. Under suitable conditions, an attacker with sufficient access to Wi‑Fi operations could crash the kernel or potentially achieve arbitrary code execution if the freed data can be controlled. The CVSS score of 5.5 indicates moderate severity.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 9, 2026 at 04:24 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply a kernel update that includes the libertas_tf driver change, such as the patch containing commit 04c837d413dc in the Linux kernel
  • If an immediate kernel upgrade is not feasible, disable the libertas_tf Wi‑Fi driver or block traffic through the associated network interface until the update is applied
  • Monitor system logs for OOPS or BUG messages related to wifi: libertas_tf and investigate any sudden crashes during Wi‑Fi disconnect or power‑off sequences

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 9, 2026 at 04:24 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories
Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4841-1 linux security update
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4850-1 linux-6.12 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6568-1 linux security update
History

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119
CWE-416

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-825
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate


Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119
CWE-416

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-416

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-416

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: libertas_tf: fix UAF in lbtf_free_adapter() lbtf_free_adapter() calls lbtf_free_cmd_buffer() to free the command buffers before calling timer_delete_sync() to wait for the command timer callback. If the timer callback (command_timer_fn) is already running when lbtf_free_cmd_buffer() frees the command array, the callback dereferences priv->cur_cmd->cmdbuf which points to freed memory. Swap the order so that timer_delete_sync() runs first, ensuring any in-flight callback has completed before the command buffers are freed.
Title wifi: libertas_tf: fix UAF in lbtf_free_adapter()
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-10-19T09:15:25.503Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T10:25:14.324Z

Link: CVE-2026-98194

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-10-06T09:18:04.800

Modified: 2026-10-19T10:18:19.813

Link: CVE-2026-98194

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-10-06T00:00:00Z

Links: CVE-2026-98194 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-09T04:30:17Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-825

    Expired Pointer Dereference