CVE-2026-53373

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mm/vma: do not try to unmap a VMA if mmap_prepare() invoked from mmap() The mmap_prepare hook functionality includes the ability to invoke mmap_prepare() from the mmap() hook of existing 'stacked' drivers, that is ones which are capable of calling the mmap hooks of other drivers/file systems (e.g. overlayfs, shm). As part of the mmap_prepare action functionality, we deal with errors by unmapping the VMA should one arise. This works in the usual mmap_prepare case, as we invoke this action at the last moment, when the VMA is established in the maple tree. However, the mmap() hook passes a not-fully-established VMA pointer to the caller (which is the motivation behind the mmap_prepare() work), which is detached. So attempting to unmap a VMA in this state will be problematic, with the most obvious symptom being a warning in vma_mark_detached(), because the VMA is already detached. It's also unncessary - the mmap() handler will clean up the VMA on error. So to fix this issue, this patch propagates whether or not an mmap action is being completed via the compatibility layer or directly. If the former, then we do not attempt VMA cleanup, if the latter, then we do. This patch also updates the userland VMA tests to reflect the change.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-07-19 11:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-07-29 16:55 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-07-19 11:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-07-29 16:55 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 7.0.9
• Linux Kernel 7.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2026-53373.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-53373. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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