CVE-2026-23127
perf: Fix refcount warning on event->mmap_count increment
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf: Fix refcount warning on event->mmap_count increment When calling refcount_inc(&event->mmap_count) inside perf_mmap_rb(), the following warning is triggered: refcount_t: addition on 0; use-after-free. WARNING: lib/refcount.c:25 PoC: struct perf_event_attr attr = {0}; int fd = syscall(__NR_perf_event_open, &attr, 0, -1, -1, 0); mmap(NULL, 0x3000, PROT_READ | PROT_WRITE, MAP_SHARED, fd, 0); int victim = syscall(__NR_perf_event_open, &attr, 0, -1, fd, PERF_FLAG_FD_OUTPUT); mmap(NULL, 0x3000, PROT_READ | PROT_WRITE, MAP_SHARED, victim, 0); This occurs when creating a group member event with the flag PERF_FLAG_FD_OUTPUT. The group leader should be mmap-ed and then mmap-ing the event triggers the warning. Since the event has copied the output_event in perf_event_set_output(), event->rb is set. As a result, perf_mmap_rb() calls refcount_inc(&event->mmap_count) when event->mmap_count = 0. Disallow the case when event->mmap_count = 0. This also prevents two events from updating the same user_page.
INFO
Published Date :
Feb. 14, 2026, 3:16 p.m.
Last Modified :
Feb. 14, 2026, 3:16 p.m.
Remotely Exploit :
No
Source :
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
Solution
- Apply the kernel patch that fixes the refcount warning.
- Ensure event->mmap_count is not zero before incrementing.
- Update the Linux kernel to the patched version.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
Here, you will find a curated list of external links that provide in-depth
information, practical solutions, and valuable tools related to
CVE-2026-23127.
| URL | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23c0e4bd93d0b250775162faf456470485ac9fc7 | |
| https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d06bf78e55d5159c1b00072e606ab924ffbbad35 |
CWE - Common Weakness Enumeration
While CVE identifies
specific instances of vulnerabilities, CWE categorizes the common flaws or
weaknesses that can lead to vulnerabilities. CVE-2026-23127 is
associated with the following CWEs:
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification
(CAPEC)
stores attack patterns, which are descriptions of the common attributes and
approaches employed by adversaries to exploit the CVE-2026-23127
weaknesses.
We scan GitHub repositories to detect new proof-of-concept exploits. Following list is a collection of public exploits and proof-of-concepts, which have been published on GitHub (sorted by the most recently updated).
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New CVE Received by 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
Feb. 14, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf: Fix refcount warning on event->mmap_count increment When calling refcount_inc(&event->mmap_count) inside perf_mmap_rb(), the following warning is triggered: refcount_t: addition on 0; use-after-free. WARNING: lib/refcount.c:25 PoC: struct perf_event_attr attr = {0}; int fd = syscall(__NR_perf_event_open, &attr, 0, -1, -1, 0); mmap(NULL, 0x3000, PROT_READ | PROT_WRITE, MAP_SHARED, fd, 0); int victim = syscall(__NR_perf_event_open, &attr, 0, -1, fd, PERF_FLAG_FD_OUTPUT); mmap(NULL, 0x3000, PROT_READ | PROT_WRITE, MAP_SHARED, victim, 0); This occurs when creating a group member event with the flag PERF_FLAG_FD_OUTPUT. The group leader should be mmap-ed and then mmap-ing the event triggers the warning. Since the event has copied the output_event in perf_event_set_output(), event->rb is set. As a result, perf_mmap_rb() calls refcount_inc(&event->mmap_count) when event->mmap_count = 0. Disallow the case when event->mmap_count = 0. This also prevents two events from updating the same user_page. Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23c0e4bd93d0b250775162faf456470485ac9fc7 Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d06bf78e55d5159c1b00072e606ab924ffbbad35