CVE-2026-64386·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: smb: client: fix query_info() replay double-free A response-bearing attempt can return a replayable error and free its response buffer. If SMB2_query_info_init() fails before the next send, cleanup retains the previous buffer type and frees that response again. Reset response bookkeeping before each attempt to prevent the stale free.
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 7.1.4
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at 0.46% — higher than 38% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2026-64386 scores 9.8 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at 0.46%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 6.19
Until: 7.1.4
Fixed in: 7.1.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 7.1.4 or later to resolve a critical memory management flaw in the SMB client query_info() function. This vulnerability allows a double-free condition when replay logic encounters initialization failures, potentially leading to kernel crashes or privilege escalation. Affected systems running kernels 6.19 through 7.1.3 should prioritize this update immediately.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check installed kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against 7.1.4 threshold
- Step 2: Verify SMB client functionality is enabled in kernel config: `grep CONFIG_CIFS /boot/config-$(uname -r)` should show CONFIG_CIFS=m or CONFIG_CIFS=y
- Step 3: Search kernel logs for SMB-related memory errors: `dmesg | grep -i 'smb\|cifs\|double.*free\|use.*after.*free'`
- Step 4: Confirm patch application by checking kernel source or running `cat /proc/version` and verifying the build date is post-fix release
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-64386?
CVE-2026-64386 is a critical kernel vulnerability in the Linux SMB client subsystem where improper cleanup of response buffers during failed query operations causes a double-free memory corruption. Attackers can trigger this flaw remotely through malformed SMB responses, compromising system stability or gaining elevated privileges.
Is CVE-2026-64386 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2026-64386 is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are currently available. However, the critical CVSS score of 9.8 warrants immediate patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2026-64386?
Linux kernel versions 6.19 through 7.1.3 are vulnerable. Systems running kernel 7.1.4 or later have the fix applied.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-64386?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version. If the output shows a version between 6.19 and 7.1.3 inclusive, and you use SMB mounts (`mount | grep cifs`), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-64386?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-64386 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/100fb7c455fa86d248b8bd7bb9de757c192870b4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2a88561d66eb855813cf004a0abe648bbb17de5e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3c81dda84799f76b42aec598564316e2964440db
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/89234773e8348918111aa15f6922b58cf3843364
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f1add4acb656f5a82806a1ab0e63fed3d8b1bfca
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