CVE-2026-23271 perf: Fix __perf_event_overflow() vs perf_remove_from_context() race
A race condition in the Linux kernel perf subsystem allows attackers to trigger use-after-free errors, potentially leading to privilege escalation or code execution.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-23271?
CVE-2026-23271 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 20 Mar 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
perf: Fix __perf_event_overflow() vs perf_remove_from_context() race
Make sure that __perf_event_overflow() runs with IRQs disabled for all possible callchains. Specifically the software events can end up running it with only preemption disabled.
This opens up a race vs perf_event_exit_event() and friends that will go and free various things the overflow path expects to be present, like the BPF program.
Weakness: CWE-362
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-23271?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23271?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Is CVE-2026-23271 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-23271 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as AZL-80213, BELL-CVE-2026-23271, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-23271, GHSA-x3m9-v7vh-x62j, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-11-CVE-2026-23271, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-12-CVE-2026-23271 and 4 more.