Linux Kernel Vulnerability Affecting POSIX Timers Cleanup Process
CVE-2026-98260
Key Information:
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What is CVE-2026-98260?
A vulnerability within the Linux kernel related to POSIX timers cleanup can lead to a use-after-free situation. When a non-leader thread invokes exec(), the thread's PID reference in the timer system becomes invalid due to changes in task ownership. If the task fails subsequently in certain operations, the timer associated with the original thread may still be referenced even after being freed. This potential flaw allows for erratic behavior as it leads to freeing a timer while the node remains queued in the managing thread. Consequently, improper cleanup of the timer can cause critical system destabilization and possible exploitation.
Affected Version(s)
Linux 55e8c8eb2c7b6bf30e99423ccfe7ca032f498f59 < 6f1977cea3e85cd8ab55fb337d3e1725fe61d1ce
Linux 55e8c8eb2c7b6bf30e99423ccfe7ca032f498f59
Linux 55e8c8eb2c7b6bf30e99423ccfe7ca032f498f59 < 75aa08b93c65766040f9ca99f41ac85ad22596b6
Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)
PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.