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CVE-2026-72138

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xen/gntdev: fix error handling in ioctl When gntdev_ioctl_map_grant_ref() fails to copy the operation result back to userspace…

Published Aug 15, 2026EPSS 0.22%

Overview

CVE-2026-72138 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on August 15, 2026.

Technical description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

xen/gntdev: fix error handling in ioctl

When gntdev_ioctl_map_grant_ref() fails to copy the operation result

back to userspace after successfully adding the mapping to the list,

the error path returns -EFAULT without releasing the reference

acquired by gntdev_alloc_map(). The mapping remains in priv->maps

with a refcount of 1, causing a memory leak and a dangling list

entry.

Additionally, gntdev_add_map() may modify map->index to avoid overlap

with existing mappings. Therefore, the index returned to userspace

must be obtained after gntdev_add_map() completes.

Fix this by holding the mutex across gntdev_add_map(), retrieving

the correct index, and copy_to_user(). If copy_to_user() fails,

remove the mapping from the list and release the reference while

still holding the lock.

Fix these issues by properly handling all error cases.

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-72138?

CVE-2026-72138 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on August 15, 2026.

How severe is CVE-2026-72138?

CVSS score information is not yet available for this vulnerability. Check back as the CVE record is updated by NVD analysts.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2026-72138?

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2026-72138?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2026-72138 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.