CVE-2026-23444
Published: April 3, 2026· Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: mac80211: always free skb on ieee80211_tx_prepare_skb() failure
ieee80211_tx_prepare_skb() has three error paths, but only two of them
free the skb. The first error path (ieee80211_tx_prepare() returning
TX_DROP) does not free it, while invoke_tx_handlers() failure and the
fragmentation check both do.
Add kfree_skb() to the first error path so all three are consistent,
and remove the now-redundant frees in callers (ath9k, mt76,
mac80211_hwsim) to avoid double-free.
Document the skb ownership guarantee in the function's kdoc.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-23444 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (3)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-23444 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts