---
title: "CVE-2026-97903: Linux Kernel - Use After Free"
description: "Linux kernel v6.19.y and newer contain a use-after-free vulnerability caused by improper reference handling of thread_pid across proc_flush_pid, letting unprivileged attackers cause kernel memory corruption, exploit requires racing wait4(-1) against setsid()."
url: https://panop.io/threat-heartbeat/CVE-2026-97903/
---

# CVE-2026-97903 Linux Kernel - Use After Free

Linux kernel v6.19.y and newer contain a use-after-free vulnerability caused by improper reference handling of thread\_pid across proc\_flush\_pid, letting unprivileged attackers cause kernel memory corruption, exploit requires racing wait4(-1) against setsid().

CVSS base score 7.8 /10

High

CISA KEV

Not listed

Public exploit

None known

Authentication

Required

EPSS

0.12% chance of exploitation in 30 days

[View the NVD record ↗](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-97903)

## Details

Type

Use After Free

Impact

Denial Of Service

CVSS vector

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

Published

25 September 2026

Updated

15 October 2026

## Vendor fix

Apply the patch that takes a reference before \_\_unhash\_process() clears p->thread\_pid and releases it after proc\_flush\_pid() completes; update to kernel version v6.19.y or later.

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-2026-97903](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-97903)
- [https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/96803a12e8ac15f0a1b4b151db59038f12304e58](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/96803a12e8ac15f0a1b4b151db59038f12304e58)
- [https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bcb0936862f2b653114d9bd582ca26990ef54a64](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bcb0936862f2b653114d9bd582ca26990ef54a64)
- [https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cdd812d0683dee14ead02c9eded568685e61b23f](https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cdd812d0683dee14ead02c9eded568685e61b23f)

[← All CVEs](https://panop.io/threat-heartbeat/)

## 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

Panop answers these inside your environment, for this CVE and every other finding.

[Book a demo](https://panop.io/demo)