Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Affecting iptfs

CVE-2026-53240

What is CVE-2026-53240?

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's iptfs module. This flaw arises during the partial reassembly of packets, where improper handling could lead to a memory access issue. Specifically, a race condition may occur when a concurrent CPU processes reassembly while another routine checks for payload ownership. This can result in operations on freed memory, potentially leading to system instability or unexpected behavior. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper locking mechanisms in concurrent environments to prevent such memory access issues.

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