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CVE-2026-52973: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: futex: Drop CLONE_THREAD requirement for

34
Routine
HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-52973 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting linux kernel. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: futex: Drop CLONE_THREAD requirement for private default hash alloc Currently need_futex_hash_allocate_default() depends on strict pthread semantics, abusing CLONE_THREAD. This breaks the non-concurrency assumptions when doing the mm->futex_ref pcpu allocations, leading to bugs[0] when sharing the mm in other ways; ie: BUG: KASAN: slab-use-after-free in futex_hash_put ..

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.8 (High)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededLow
User interactionNone
EPSS exploit chance0.2% (top 92%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-416, CWE-825
Published2026-06-24
Last modified2026-10-19
Publisher (CNA): kernel.org · Vendor: linux

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Last updated 2026-10-19 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

linux linux kernel UPGRADE
Affected: >= 6.17.1 and < 6.18.33 · >= 6.19 and < 7.0.10 · 6.17 · 6.17 rc5 · 6.17 rc6 · 6.17 rc7 · 7.1 rc1
Fixed in: 6.18.33, 7.0.10
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-52973?

linux kernel: upgrade to 6.18.33, 7.0.10. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-52973 being exploited?

CVE-2026-52973 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-52973 affect?

CVE-2026-52973 affects linux kernel. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: futex: Drop CLONE_THREAD requirement for private default hash alloc Currently need_futex_hash_allocate_default() depends on strict pthread semantics, abusing CLONE_THREAD

How urgent is CVE-2026-52973?

Priority 34/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Linux kernel vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

References

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