CVE-2026-53212
Published: June 25, 2026· Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: nft_tunnel: fix use-after-free on object destroy
nft_tunnel_obj_destroy() calls metadata_dst_free() which directly
kfree()s the metadata_dst, ignoring the dst_entry refcount. Packets
that took a reference via dst_hold() in nft_tunnel_obj_eval() and
are still queued (e.g. in a netem qdisc) are left with a dangling
pointer. When these packets are eventually dequeued, dst_release()
operates on freed memory.
Replace metadata_dst_free() with dst_release() so the metadata_dst
is freed only after all references are dropped. The dst subsystem
already handles metadata_dst cleanup in dst_destroy() when
DST_METADATA is set.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-53212 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
All References (8)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-53212 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts