CVE-2026-53261
Published: June 25, 2026· Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
devlink: Release nested relation on devlink free
devlink relation state is normally released from devl_unregister(), which
calls devlink_rel_put(). This misses devlink instances that get a nested
relation before registration and then fail probe before devl_register() is
reached.
That flow can happen for SFs. The child devlink gets linked to its
parent before registration, then a later probe error calls devlink_free()
directly. Since the instance was never registered, devl_unregister() is not
called and devlink->rel is leaked.
Release any pending relation from devlink_free() as well. The registered
path is unchanged because devl_unregister() already clears devlink->rel
before devlink_free() runs.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-53261 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 (4)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-53261 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts