CVE-2026-53223
Published: June 25, 2026· Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: guard timestamp cmsgs to real error queue skbs
skb_is_err_queue() treats PACKET_OUTGOING as the sole marker for an skb
from sk_error_queue. That assumption is not true for AF_PACKET sockets:
outgoing packet taps are also delivered to packet sockets with
skb->pkt_type == PACKET_OUTGOING, but their skb->cb is owned by AF_PACKET
instead of struct sock_exterr_skb.
If such an skb is received with timestamping enabled, the generic
timestamp cmsg path can read AF_PACKET control-buffer state as
sock_exterr_skb::opt_stats. With SO_RXQ_OVFL enabled, the packet drop
counter overlaps opt_stats. An odd drop count makes the path emit
SCM_TIMESTAMPING_OPT_STATS with skb->len and skb->data. For non-linear
skbs this copies past the linear head and can trigger hardened usercopy or
disclose adjacent heap contents.
Keep skb_is_err_queue() local to net/socket.c, but make it verify that
the PACKET_OUTGOING marker is paired with the sock_rmem_free destructor
installed by sock_queue_err_skb(). AF_PACKET receive skbs use normal
receive ownership and no longer pass as error-queue skbs, while legitimate
sk_error_queue entries keep the PACKET_OUTGOING marker and sock_rmem_free
ownership.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-53223 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), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.1.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (8)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-53223 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts