CVE-2026-31663
Published: April 24, 2026· Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
xfrm: hold dev ref until after transport_finish NF_HOOK
After async crypto completes, xfrm_input_resume() calls dev_put()
immediately on re-entry before the skb reaches transport_finish.
The skb->dev pointer is then used inside NF_HOOK and its okfn,
which can race with device teardown.
Remove the dev_put from the async resumption entry and instead
drop the reference after the NF_HOOK call in transport_finish,
using a saved device pointer since NF_HOOK may consume the skb.
This covers NF_DROP, NF_QUEUE and NF_STOLEN paths that skip
the okfn.
For non-transport exits (decaps, gro, drop) and secondary
async return points, release the reference inline when
async is set.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-31663 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.8.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (3)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-31663 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts