CVE-2026-46188
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
NULL Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel Octeon EP VF Driver

Publication date: 2026-05-28

Last updated on: 2026-06-11

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: octeon_ep_vf: add NULL check for napi_build_skb() napi_build_skb() can return NULL on allocation failure. In __octep_vf_oq_process_rx(), the result is used directly without a NULL check in both the single-buffer and multi-fragment paths, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. Add NULL checks after both napi_build_skb() calls, properly advancing descriptors and consuming remaining fragments on failure.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-28
Last Modified
2026-06-11
Generated
2026-06-17
AI Q&A
2026-05-28
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-16
NVD
CVE-2026-46188
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32815
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel From 6.13 (inc) to 6.18.30 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 7.0.7 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.9 (inc) to 6.12.88 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-476 The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's octeon_ep_vf driver where the function napi_build_skb() can return NULL if memory allocation fails.

In the function __octep_vf_oq_process_rx(), the return value of napi_build_skb() is used without checking if it is NULL, which can lead to a NULL pointer dereference.

The fix involves adding NULL checks after both calls to napi_build_skb(), ensuring that descriptors are properly advanced and remaining fragments are consumed if allocation fails.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause a NULL pointer dereference in the Linux kernel, which may lead to a system crash or kernel panic.

Such crashes can result in denial of service, affecting system availability and stability.

Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability has been resolved by adding NULL checks after calls to napi_build_skb() in the Linux kernel's octeon_ep_vf driver. To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update your Linux kernel to a version that includes this fix.

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