CVE-2026-23309: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tracing: Add NULL pointer check to trigger_data_free() If trigger_data_alloc() f...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tracing: Add NULL pointer check to trigger_data_free() If trigger_data_alloc() fails and returns NULL, event_hist_trigger_parse() jumps to the out_free error path. While kfree() safely handles a NULL pointer, trigger_data_free() does not. This causes a NULL pointer dereference in trigger_data_free() when evaluating data->cmd_ops->set_filter. Fix the problem by adding a NULL pointer check to trigger_data_free(). The problem was found by an experimental code review agent based on gemini-3.1-pro while reviewing backports into v6.18.y.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.12%

2.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-476

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.1.165, < 6.1.167	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.6.128, < 6.6.130	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.12.75, < 6.12.77	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.18.14, < 6.18.17	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.19.4, < 6.19.7	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	7.0	Rc1

References

Timeline

Published: Mar 25, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-23309?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tracing: Add NULL pointer check to trigger_data_free() If trigger_data_alloc() fails and returns NULL, event_hist_trigger_parse() jumps to the out_free error path. While kfree() safely handles a NULL pointer, trigger_data_free() does not. This causes a NULL pointer dereference in trigger_data_free() when evaluating data->cmd_ops->set_filter. Fix the problem by adding a NULL pointer check to trigger_data_free(). The problem was found by an experimental code review agent based on gemini-3.1-pro while reviewing backports into v6.18.y.

How severe is CVE-2026-23309?

CVE-2026-23309 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.12% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-23309?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.