---
title: "CVE-2026-80981: Linux Kernel - Use After Free"
description: "Linux kernel contains a use-after-free vulnerability in net/smc component caused by use of freed LLC queue entry in smc_llc_srv_add_link(), letting attackers cause memory corruption or system instability, exploit requires kernel-level conditions."
url: https://panop.io/threat-heartbeat/CVE-2026-80981/
---

# CVE-2026-80981 Linux Kernel - Use After Free

Linux kernel contains a use-after-free vulnerability in net/smc component caused by use of freed LLC queue entry in smc\_llc\_srv\_add\_link(), letting attackers cause memory corruption or system instability, exploit requires kernel-level conditions.

CVSS base score 9.8 /10

Critical

CISA KEV

Not listed

Public exploit

None known

EPSS

0.63% chance of exploitation in 30 days

[View the NVD record ↗](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-80981)

## Details

Type

Use After Free

Impact

Denial Of Service, Privilege Escalation

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Published

11 September 2026

Updated

15 October 2026

## Vendor fix

Update to the latest Linux kernel version containing the fix for smc\_llc\_srv\_add\_link() use-after-free.

Patching closes this CVE. It does not tell you which of your systems run the affected version, or what else is exposed alongside them.

## References

- [https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-80981](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-80981)
- [https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c52a998a223e7e84333306996edec096178d1e95](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c52a998a223e7e84333306996edec096178d1e95)
- [https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a42a459ef0e54cb0c4b3e43e21cb0e658e664f64](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a42a459ef0e54cb0c4b3e43e21cb0e658e664f64)
- [https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/adef84cc85d449ac28d2b4b4c49cf19619c56e27](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/adef84cc85d449ac28d2b4b4c49cf19619c56e27)

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## What this record can't tell you

- Whether you run the affected software, and where
- Whether an attacker can actually reach and exploit it
- The misconfigurations that never get a CVE number
- What it would cost the business, ranked into what to fix first

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