CVE Catalog

CVE-2026-98862

Unknown
Published: Translated: NVD NIST

Summary

In the Linux kernel audit subsystem, kill_rules() removed mixed AUDIT_DIR and AUDIT_EXE rules when pruning an audit tree, dropping entry->rule.exe before removing the rule from RCU-visible filter lists. Removing the watched directory could race with another task evaluating the rule, causing a use-after-free in audit_mark_compare().

Risk Assessment

The use-after-free can lead to a kernel crash (panic) or potential kernel code execution by a local attacker with CAP_AUDIT_CONTROL. Affects system stability and security.

Recommendation

Update the Linux kernel to a version with the fix. Restrict granting of CAP_AUDIT_CONTROL to trusted processes.

Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel

See all
Original NVD description (English source)

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: audit: fix exe mark UAF in kill_rules() kill_rules() removes mixed AUDIT_DIR and AUDIT_EXE rules when an audit tree is pruned. It drops entry->rule.exe before removing the rule from the RCU-visible filter lists. After a rule has been installed with AUDIT_ADD_RULE, which requires CAP_AUDIT_CONTROL, removing the watched directory can race with another task that is still evaluating the rule. In that case, fsnotify can free the executable mark before the reader reaches audit_mark_compare(), causing a use-after-free. KASAN reports: BUG: KASAN: slab-use-after-free in audit_mark_compare+0x8d/0xa0 Unlink the published rules from the RCU-visible lists and retain them on tree->rules for cleanup. If any rule has an executable mark, wait for a single RCU grace period before removing the marks and scheduling the entries for freeing. Otherwise, call_rcu() already provides the required deferred freeing without a synchronous wait.

Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS