# CVE-2026-68122: linux: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:  ovpn: fix peer refcount leak in TCP error paths...

CVE-2026-68122 is fixed in linux on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-68122 (version 7.1.6-1), released August 11, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-68122
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: n/a
- EPSS: 0.0017
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Aug 10, 2026

## Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:  ovpn: fix peer refcount leak in TCP error paths  When either the TCP RX or TX error path calls ovpn_peer_hold() followed by schedule_work(&peer->tcp.defer_del_work), and the work item is already pending from the other path, schedule_work() returns false and the work runs only once. Since ovpn_tcp_peer_del_work() calls ovpn_peer_put() exactly once, the extra reference taken by the losing path is never dropped, leaking the peer object.  The race window:    CPU0 (strparser/RX error):       CPU1 (tcp_tx_work/TX error):   ovpn_peer_hold()   <- refcnt+1   ovpn_peer_hold()   <- refcnt+2   schedule_work()    <- queued      schedule_work()    <- NO-OP                                     (work already pending)   ovpn_tcp_peer_del_work runs:     ovpn_peer_del()     ovpn_peer_put()  <- refcnt+1                                    <- peer never freed  Fix by checking the return value of schedule_work() in both paths and calling ovpn_peer_put() to drop the extra reference if the work was already pending. ovpn_peer_hold() is kept unconditional in the TX path as it cannot fail at that point.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | linux Debian 14 | 7.1.6-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-68122](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-68122.md) | Aug 11, 2026 |

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Data as of 2026-11-09T01:18:40Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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