CVE-2026-63993·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vxlan: do not reuse cached ip_hdr() value after skb_tunnel_check_pmtu() skb_tunnel_check_pmtu() can change skb->head. Reusing old_iph afer skb_tunnel_check_pmtu() can cause an UAF. Use instead ip_hdr(skb) as done in drivers/net/bareudp.c and drivers/net/geneve.c. Found by Sashiko.
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 7.0.12
- Published
- 2026-07-19
Affected versions
From: 6.19
Until: 7.0.12
Fixed in: 7.0.12
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 7.0.12 or later to remediate this use-after-free vulnerability in the VXLAN driver. The vulnerability occurs when the kernel reuses a cached IP header pointer after memory reallocation during path MTU discovery checks, which can lead to kernel memory corruption and system compromise. Ensure all VXLAN-capable systems receive this kernel update as soon as possible.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against 7.0.12; versions 6.19 through 7.0.11 are vulnerable
- Step 2: Verify if VXLAN is loaded in your kernel with `lsmod | grep vxlan`; if present, the attack surface exists on this system
- Step 3: Search system logs for kernel page faults or use-after-free warnings with `sudo dmesg | grep -i 'uaf\|use.*after.*free\|page.*fault' | tail -20`
- Step 4: After patching, confirm the new kernel is running with `uname -r` and verify it reports version 7.0.12 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-63993?
CVE-2026-63993 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's VXLAN driver where a cached IP header pointer is reused after memory reallocation occurs during path MTU discovery, potentially allowing attackers to trigger kernel memory corruption and denial of service.
Is CVE-2026-63993 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2026-63993 is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploit code is currently available, though the vulnerability is critical in severity.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2026-63993?
Kernel versions 6.19 through 7.0.11 are vulnerable; version 7.0.12 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-63993?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version; if the output shows a version between 6.19 and 7.0.11, you are vulnerable. Also verify VXLAN is in use with `lsmod | grep vxlan`.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-63993?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-63993 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5303925e360527243b46a440a04667826bbc72b7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/609e63312c29aad18026a1d3222e123d4b6b0feb
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6b8bfce9d2f774d2c2243e0248e03efb99bba6c0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7d9ef0cb271555d8cf39fefe6c981e1493b25ecf
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8d435d68d71fb875876b722f4136caf74f2f48bd
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