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CVE-2026-72431

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: alloc_tag: fix use-after-free in /proc/allocinfo after module unload allocinfo_start() only reinitializes the codetag iterator…

Published Aug 15, 2026EPSS 0.21%

Overview

CVE-2026-72431 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on August 15, 2026.

Technical description

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

alloc_tag: fix use-after-free in /proc/allocinfo after module unload

allocinfo_start() only reinitializes the codetag iterator at position 0.

For subsequent reads (position > 0), it reuses cached iterator state from

the previous batch. allocinfo_stop() drops mod_lock between read batches,

which allows module unload to complete and free the module memory that the

cached iterator still references:

CPU0 (read) CPU1 (rmmod)

---- ----

allocinfo_start(pos=0)

down_read(mod_lock)

allocinfo_show()

...

allocinfo_stop()

up_read(mod_lock)

codetag_unload_module()

kfree(cmod)

release_module_tags()

...

free_mod_mem()

allocinfo_start(pos=N)

down_read(mod_lock)

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-2026-72431?

CVE-2026-72431 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on August 15, 2026.

How severe is CVE-2026-72431?

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-2026-72431?

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-2026-72431?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2026-72431 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.