CVE-2026-31526: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix exception exit lock checking for subprogs process_bpf_exit_full() passe...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix exception exit lock checking for subprogs process_bpf_exit_full() passes check_lock = !curframe to check_resource_leak(), which is false in cases when bpf_throw() is called from a static subprog. This makes check_resource_leak() to skip validation of active_rcu_locks, active_preempt_locks, and active_irq_id on exception exits from subprogs. At runtime bpf_throw() unwinds the stack via ORC without releasing any user-acquired locks, which may cause various issues as the result. Fix by setting check_lock = true for exception exits regardless of curframe, since exceptions bypass all intermediate frame cleanup. Update the error message prefix to "bpf_throw" for exception exits to distinguish them from normal BPF_EXIT. Fix reject_subprog_with_rcu_read_lock test which was previously passing for the wrong reason. Test program returned directly from the subprog call without closing the RCU section, so the error was triggered by the unclosed RCU lock on normal exit, not by bpf_throw. Update __msg annotations for affected tests to match the new "bpf_throw" error prefix. The spin_lock case is not affected because they are already checked [1] at the call site in do_check_insn() before bpf_throw can run. [1] https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/tree/kernel/bpf/verifier.c?h=v7.0-rc4#n21098

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

0.10%

1.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-667

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.7, < 6.18.21	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.19, < 6.19.11	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	7.0	Rc1

References

Timeline

Published: Apr 22, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-31526?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix exception exit lock checking for subprogs process_bpf_exit_full() passes check_lock = !curframe to check_resource_leak(), which is false in cases when bpf_throw() is called from a static subprog. This makes check_resource_leak() to skip validation of active_rcu_locks, active_preempt_locks, and active_irq_id on exception exits from subprogs. At runtime bpf_throw() unwinds the stack via ORC without releasing any user-acquired locks, which may cause various issues as the result. Fix by setting check_lock = true for exception exits regardless of curframe, since exceptions bypass all intermediate frame cleanup. Update the error message prefix to "bpf_throw" for exception exits to distinguish them from normal BPF_EXIT. Fix reject_subprog_with_rcu_read_lock test which was previously passing for the wrong reason. Test program returned directly from the subprog call without closing the RCU section, so the error was triggered by the unclosed RCU lock on normal exit, not by bpf_throw. Update __msg annotations for affected tests to match the new "bpf_throw" error prefix. The spin_lock case is not affected because they are already checked [1] at the call site in do_check_insn() before bpf_throw can run. [1] https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/tree/kernel/bpf/verifier.c?h=v7.0-rc4#n21098

How severe is CVE-2026-31526?

CVE-2026-31526 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.10% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-31526?

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.