CVE-2026-64071

High

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-pci: fix use-after-free in nvme_free_host_mem() nvme_free_host_mem() frees dev->hmb_sgt via dma_free_noncontiguous() but never clears the pointer afterward. This leads to a use-after-free if nvme_free_host_mem() is called twice in the same error path. This can happen during nvme_probe() when nvme_setup_host_mem() succeeds in allocating the HMB (setting dev->hmb_sgt) but nvme_set_host_mem() fails with an I/O error: nvme_setup_host_mem() nvme_alloc_host_mem_single() -> sets dev->hmb_sgt nvme_set_host_mem() -> fails with -EIO nvme_free_host_mem() -> frees hmb_sgt, but does NOT NULL it return error nvme_probe() error path: nvme_free_host_mem() -> dev->hmb_sgt is stale, use-after-free The second call dereferences the freed sgt, causing a NULL pointer dereference in iommu_dma_free_noncontiguous() when it accesses sgt->sgl->dma_address (the backing memory has been freed and zeroed). This is reproducible on Thunderbolt-attached NVMe devices (e.g., OWC Envoy Express behind a Dell WD22TB4 dock) where the device intermittently returns I/O errors during HMB setup due to PCIe link instability. BUG: kernel NULL pointer dereference, address: 0000000000000010 RIP: 0010:iommu_dma_free_noncontiguous+0x22/0x80 Call Trace: <TASK> dma_free_noncontiguous+0x3b/0x130 nvme_free_host_mem+0x30/0xf0 [nvme] nvme_probe.cold+0xcc/0x275 [nvme] local_pci_probe+0x43/0xa0 pci_device_probe+0xeea/0x290 really_probe+0xf9/0x3b0 __driver_probe_device+0x8b/0x170 driver_probe_device+0x24/0xd0 __driver_attach_async_helper+0x6b/0x110 async_run_entry_fn+0x37/0x170 process_one_work+0x1ac/0x3d0 worker_thread+0x1b8/0x360 kthread+0xf7/0x130 ret_from_fork+0x2d8/0x3a0 ret_from_fork_asm+0x1a/0x30 </TASK> Fix this by setting dev->hmb_sgt to NULL after freeing it, so the second call takes the multi-descriptor path which safely handles the already-cleaned-up state.

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2026-07-19
Last modified 2026-09-03
CVSS version 3.1
Patch available
Yes

CVSS 3.1 score

7.8

out of 10
High
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Vector string
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Weakness type

CWE-416

CVE-2026-64071 is a Use After Free vulnerability

What is Use After Free?

The product references memory after it has been freed, which may cause it to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. Learn more on MITRE CWE

Affected versions

Linux kernel versions 6.13 and later are affected. Fixed in 6.18.34, 7.0.11, 7.1 and their respective stable series.

Affected from
≥ 6.13
Fixed in
✓ 6.18.34 6.18.x ✓ 7.0.11 7.0.x ✓ 7.1

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2026-64071?

    CVE-2026-64071 is a High severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10 , classified as an Use After Free flaw (CWE-416) . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.13 onward and has been patched in 6.18.34, 7.0.11 and 7.1. CVE-2026-64071 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-64071?

    CVE-2026-64071 has a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10, rated High severity (CVSS 3.1). The vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H .

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2026-64071?

    Yes. CVE-2026-64071 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.18.34, 7.0.11 and 7.1. If you are running Linux kernel 6.13 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.

  • Is CVE-2026-64071 actively exploited?

    No. CVE-2026-64071 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.