CVE-2026-72140

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel, specifically within the i2c mlxbf driver. This use-after-free vulnerability occurs in the mlxbf_i2c_init_resource() function. When an error occurs during resource mapping, the system attempts to free a resource before properly handling its error code. This premature freeing can lead to a use-after-free condition, potentially allowing a local attacker to cause a system crash (denial of service).

This vulnerability is rated as Moderate impact because exploitation requires local access and is restricted to systems utilizing Mellanox BlueField hardware. The issue occurs only during error paths when initializing resources for the BlueField I2C controller, potentially triggering a kernel crash and resulting in a denial of service. Standard enterprise environments and systems lacking this specific hardware architecture are not exposed.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options don't meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.