Highly exploitable, CVE-2026-31541 poses a critical security risk that could lead to severe breaches.
Status: Analyzed
Last updated: 🕡 28 Apr 2026, 18:50 UTC
Originally published on: 🕒 24 Apr 2026, 15:16 UTC
Time between publication and last update: 4 days
CVSS Release: version 3
nvd@nist.gov
Primary
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVE-2026-31541: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tracing: Fix trace_marker copy link list updates When the "copy_trace_marker" option is enabled for an instance, anything written into /sys/kernel/tracing/trace_marker is also copied into that instances buffer. When the option is set, that instance's trace_array descriptor is added to the marker_copies link list. This list is protected by RCU, as all iterations uses an RCU protected list traversal. When the instance is deleted, all the flags that were enabled are cleared. This also clears the copy_trace_marker flag and removes the trace_array descriptor from the list. The issue is after the flags are called, a direct call to update_marker_trace() is performed to clear the flag. This function returns true if the state of the flag changed and false otherwise. If it returns true here, synchronize_rcu() is called to make sure all readers see that its removed from the list. But since the flag was already cleared, the state does not change and the synchronization is never called, leaving a possible UAF bug. Move the clearing of all flags below the updating of the copy_trace_marker option which then makes sure the synchronization is performed. Also use the flag for checking the state in update_marker_trace() instead of looking at if the list is empty.
The exploitability of CVE-2026-31541 depends on two key factors: attack complexity (the level of effort required to execute an exploit) and privileges required (the access level an attacker needs).
CVE-2026-31541 presents an accessible attack vector with minimal effort required. Restricting access controls and implementing security updates are critical to reducing exploitation risks.
A lower complexity and fewer privilege requirements make exploitation easier. Security teams should evaluate these aspects to determine the urgency of mitigation strategies, such as patch management and access control policies.
Attack Complexity (AC) measures the difficulty in executing an exploit. A high AC means that specific conditions must be met, making an attack more challenging, while a low AC means the vulnerability can be exploited with minimal effort.
Privileges Required (PR) determine the level of system access necessary for an attack. Vulnerabilities requiring no privileges are more accessible to attackers, whereas high privilege requirements limit exploitation to authorized users with elevated access.
Above is the CVSS Sub-score Breakdown for CVE-2026-31541, illustrating how Base, Impact, and Exploitability factors combine to form the overall severity rating. A higher sub-score typically indicates a more severe or easier-to-exploit vulnerability.
Below is the Impact Analysis for CVE-2026-31541, showing how Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability might be affected if the vulnerability is exploited. Higher values usually signal greater potential damage.
Stay updated with real-time CVE vulnerabilities and take action to secure your systems. Enhance your cybersecurity posture with the latest threat intelligence and mitigation techniques. Develop the skills necessary to defend against CVEs and secure critical infrastructures. Join the top cybersecurity professionals safeguarding today's infrastructures.