CVE-2026-52974
Published: June 24, 2026· Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: tls: fix strparser anchor skb leak on offload RX setup failure
When tls_set_device_offload_rx() fails at tls_dev_add(), the error path
calls tls_sw_free_resources_rx() to clean up the SW context that was
initialized by tls_set_sw_offload(). This function calls
tls_sw_release_resources_rx() (which stops the strparser via
tls_strp_stop()) and tls_sw_free_ctx_rx() (which kfrees the context),
but never frees the anchor skb that was allocated by alloc_skb(0) in
tls_strp_init().
Note that tls_sw_free_resources_rx() is exclusively used for this
"failed to start offload" code path, there's no other caller.
The leak did not exist before commit 84c61fe1a75b ("tls: rx: do not use
the standard strparser"), because the standard strparser doesn't try
to pre-allocate an skb.
The normal close path in tls_sk_proto_close() handles cleanup by calling
tls_sw_strparser_done() (which calls tls_strp_done()) after dropping
the socket lock, because tls_strp_done() does cancel_work_sync() and
the strparser work handler takes the socket lock.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-52974 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (6)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-52974 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts