CVE-2026-89771
Linux · Kernel
A race condition in the Linux kernel ring buffer allows local attackers to potentially achieve arbitrary memory access through improper synchronization during sub-buffer resizing operations.
Executive summary
A race condition within the Linux kernel ring buffer mechanism poses a high risk to local system integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
Vulnerability
This is a race condition vulnerability (CWE-362) occurring when the ring buffer sub-buffer size is modified while being read. A local user with low privileges can exploit this lack of synchronization to trigger memory corruption or unauthorized access.
Business impact
The vulnerability carries a CVSS score of 7.8, reflecting its potential for complete system compromise. Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges or cause a system crash, resulting in unauthorized data access and significant operational downtime for critical infrastructure relying on affected kernel versions.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Update the Linux kernel to version 6.12.109, 6.18.50, 7.2.4, or later to incorporate the necessary synchronization fixes.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor system logs for unusual kernel panic events or repeated segmentation faults that may indicate an attempt to trigger race conditions.
Compensating Controls: Restrict local shell access to untrusted users and enforce strict kernel module loading policies to reduce the attack surface for local privilege escalation.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: Unknown
Analyst recommendation
Given the critical nature of kernel-level vulnerabilities, organizations should prioritize patching as part of their standard maintenance cycle. While this flaw requires local access, the potential for full system compromise necessitates immediate attention to ensure long-term stability and security posture.
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History
CVE Brief tracked this CVE 1 day before it had a CVSS score.
- Disclosed CVE record published
- Collected by CVE Brief No CVSS score yet; tracked as early warning
- CVSS score assigned 7.8 (3.1)
- Analyst report written