CVE-2026-53361: linux linux kernel (High 7.1)

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: af_unix: Set gc_in_progress to true in unix_gc(). Igor Ushakov reported that unix_gc() could run with gc_in_progress being false if the work is scheduled while running: Thread 1 Thread 2 Thread 3 -------- -------- -------- unix_schedule_gc() unix_schedule_gc() `- if (!gc_in_progress) `- if (!gc_in_progress) |- gc_in_progress = true | `- queue_work() | unix_gc() <----------------/ | | |- gc_in_progress = true ... `- queue_work() | | `- gc_in_progress = false | | unix_gc() <---------------------------------------------' | ... /* gc_in_progress == false */ | `- gc_in_progress = false unix_peek_fpl() relies on gc_in_progress not to confuse GC by MSG_PEEK. Let's set gc_in_progress to true in unix_gc().

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2026-07-04 12:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-10-19 20:19 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 7.1 HIGH (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2026-07-04 12:17 UTC
Last modified: 2026-10-19 20:19 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-362 · Race condition
Record status: Modified

Affected

Linux Kernel < 6.2
Linux Kernel < 6.6.144
Linux Kernel < 6.12.95
Linux Kernel < 6.18.38
Linux Kernel < 7.1
Linux Kernel 7.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.1

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Privileges needed: Low
User interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-53361.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-53361. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

· More options · Status badge

CVE-2026-53361