CVE-2026-53268 netfilter: conntrack_irc: fix possible out-of-bounds read
An out-of-bounds read in the Linux kernel's IRC conntrack helper allows attackers to read sensitive memory or cause a system crash.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-53268?
CVE-2026-53268 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 25 Jun 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: conntrack_irc: fix possible out-of-bounds read
When parsing fails after we've matched the command string we should bail out instead of trying to match a different command.
This helper should be deprecated, given prevalence of TLS I doubt it has any relevance in 2026.
Weakness: CWE-125
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-53268?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53268?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Is CVE-2026-53268 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-53268 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as AZL-90423, BELL-CVE-2026-53268, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-53268, GHSA-3j2m-3xq8-9948, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-11-CVE-2026-53268, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-12-CVE-2026-53268 and 3 more.