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CVE-2026-53224

Linux Kernel out-of-bounds read

9.1 CRITICALEPSS 0.52%
  1. Published25 Jun 2026

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sctp: validate embedded INIT chunk and address list lengths in cookie sctp_unpack_cookie() only checked that the embedded INIT chunk length did not exceed the remaining cookie payload, but did not ensure that the INIT chunk is large enough to contain a complete INIT header. A malformed COOKIE_ECHO can therefore carry a truncated INIT chunk whose length field is smaller than sizeof(struct sctp_init_chunk). Later, sctp_process_init() accesses INIT parameters unconditionally, which may lead to out-of-bounds reads. In addition, raw_addr_list_len is not fully validated against the remaining cookie payload. When cookie authentication is disabled, an attacker can supply an oversized raw_addr_list_len and cause sctp_raw_to_bind_addrs() to read beyond the end of the cookie. The address parser also lacks sufficient bounds checks for parameter headers and lengths, allowing malformed address parameters to trigger out-of-bounds reads. Fix this by: - requiring the embedded INIT chunk length to be at least sizeof(struct sctp_init_chunk); - validating that the INIT chunk and raw address list together fit within the cookie payload; - verifying sufficient data exists for each address parameter header and payload before parsing it. Note that sctp_verify_init() must be called after sctp_unpack_cookie() and before sctp_process_init() when cookie authentication is disabled. This will be addressed in a separate patch.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Affected products

Linux Kernel≥ 2.6.12.1 < 6.18.36 · ≥ 6.19 < 7.0.13 · 2.6.12 · 7.1

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2026-53224 being actively exploited?

CVE-2026-53224 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.52%.

How severe is CVE-2026-53224?

CVE-2026-53224 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.52% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-53224?

Affected products include Linux Kernel.

How do I fix CVE-2026-53224?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Linux Kernel 6.18.36 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.