CVE-2026-53166
Published: June 25, 2026· Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
futex/requeue: Prevent NULL pointer dereference in remove_waiter() on self-deadlock
When FUTEX_CMP_REQUEUE_PI requeues a non-top waiter that already owns the
target PI futex, task_blocks_on_rt_mutex() returns -EDEADLK before setting
waiter->task.
The subsequent remove_waiter() in rt_mutex_start_proxy_lock() dereferences
the NULL waiter->task, causing a kernel crash.
Add a self-deadlock check for non-top waiters before calling
rt_mutex_start_proxy_lock(), analogous to the top-waiter check in
futex_lock_pi_atomic().
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-53166 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-2026-53166 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts