CVE-2026-43326

sched_ext: Fix SCX_KICK_WAIT deadlock by deferring wait to balance callback

MEDIUM
5.5
CVSS Score
Published: May 8, 2026 at 01:31 PM UTC
Updated: June 17, 2026 at 10:49 AM UTC
1 product affected across 1 vendorLinux Kernel

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Severity
MEDIUM5.5
Exploit prediction
EPSS 0.1%

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sched_ext: Fix SCX_KICK_WAIT deadlock by deferring wait to balance callback SCX_KICK_WAIT busy-waits in kick_cpus_irq_workfn() using smp_cond_load_acquire() until the target CPU's kick_sync advances. Because the irq_work runs in hardirq context, the waiting CPU cannot reschedule and its own kick_sync never advances. If multiple CPUs form a wait cycle, all CPUs deadlock. Replace the busy-wait in kick_cpus_irq_workfn() with resched_curr() to force the CPU through do_pick_task_scx(), which queues a balance callback to perform the wait. The balance callback drops the rq lock and enables IRQs following the sched_core_balance() pattern, so the CPU can process IPIs while waiting. The local CPU's kick_sync is advanced on entry to do_pick_task_scx() and continuously during the wait, ensuring any CPU that starts waiting for us sees the advancement and cannot form cyclic dependencies.

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

6.12 ≤ v < 6.19.126.12 ≤ v < 7.06.127.0 rc17.0 rc27.0 rc37.0 rc47.0 rc57.0 rc67.0 rc790e55164dad42c6546b698c031697b224a320834
Vendor states this is fixed in 415cb193bb9736f0e830286c72a6fa8eb2a9cc5c (fixed)
Vendor states this is fixed in c3a7903f65cf4c7fb0477eb0f8b94f326a47fe54 (fixed)
Vendor states this is fixed in 6.12 (unaffected)
Vendor states this is fixed in 6.19.12 (unaffected)
Vendor states this is fixed in 7.0 (unaffected)

Remediation

No guide yet

No remediation guidance has been written for this CVE yet. What the record does show:

CVSS

Attack Vector
LOCAL
Complexity
LOW
Privileges
LOW
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
NONE
Integrity
NONE
Availability
HIGH
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusANALYZED
CWE
CWE-667

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