CVE-2026-31730

Description of the Vulnerability

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-31730, is a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's fastrpc module. It allows for a potential double-free condition in the remote_heap pointer within the fastrpc_init_create_static_process() function. This vulnerability arises when the INIT_CREATE_STATIC IOCTL call is executed, and the system encounters an error during processing. The flaw permits the fastrpc_rpmsg_remove() function to free the same memory again if the pointer remains non-NULL, leading to a double-free scenario.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions up to a specific release. It is primarily relevant for systems using the fastrpc module in the kernel, particularly those running versions of the kernel prior to the patch that resolved this issue. Affected systems may include devices or applications relying on the fastrpc driver for communication with remote processes.

Impact and Exploitability

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, indicating a high-severity risk. An attacker could exploit this flaw by triggering the INIT_CREATE_STATIC IOCTL call in scenarios where an error occurs during processing. This could enable arbitrary code execution or lead to system instability. The vulnerability requires knowledge of the specific kernel version and access to the affected system to trigger the exploit.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

No public indicators of compromise are available for this vulnerability. The lack of detailed forensic data or reported malicious activity associated with CVE-2026-31730 means that no specific IOC values (e.g., hash patterns, IP ranges, or domain names) have been documented in publicly accessible resources.

Mitigation and Patches

The vulnerability was resolved by updating the Linux kernel to include a fix that clears the remote_heap pointer after it is freed. System administrators should ensure their kernels are updated to the latest version to mitigate this risk. For systems unable to apply patches immediately, temporary mitigation involves restricting access to the affected IOCTL calls or monitoring for signs of system instability.