CVE-2026-68441
Received Received - Intake

Linux Kernel TC_ACT_REDIRECT Handling Flaw

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-68441, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-08-12

Last updated on: 2026-08-17

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net/sched: Handle TC_ACT_REDIRECT from qdisc filter chains When a TC filter attached to a qdisc filter chain returns TC_ACT_REDIRECT (ex: via an eBPF program calling bpf_redirect() or an act_bpf action), the redirect was silently lost i.e no qdisc classify function handled TC_ACT_REDIRECT, so the packet fell through the switch and was enqueued normally instead of being redirected. This has been broken since bpf_redirect() was introduced for TC in commit 27b29f63058d ("bpf: add bpf_redirect() helper"). We got lucky for a long time because bpf_net_context was a per-CPU variable that was always available. commit 401cb7dae813 ("net: Reference bpf_redirect_info via task_struct on PREEMPT_RT.") turned bpf_net_context into a task_struct member that is only set up by explicit callers. Without a caller setting it up, bpf_redirect() itself crashes with a NULL pointer dereference in bpf_net_ctx_get_ri(). However, even with bpf_net_context available, TC_ACT_REDIRECT from qdisc filter chains cannot be honored without adding skb_do_redirect() calls to every qdisc classify function, which would require changes across net/sched/. Isolate it to ebpf core where it belongs. Instead, add a tcf_classify_qdisc() inline helper in pkt_cls.h, as a wrapper around tcf_classify() for use by qdisc classify functions and tcf_qevent_handle(). When the classify verdict is TC_ACT_REDIRECT, the wrapper converts it to TC_ACT_SHOT, dropping the packet rather than letting it continue silently. Dropping is preferred over letting the packet through because the user immediately sees packet loss. Silently passing the packet through would hide the problem and leave the user wondering why their redirect is not working. The clsact fast path, tc_run() continues to call tcf_classify() directly and is unaffected: TC_ACT_REDIRECT is returned as-is and handled by sch_handle_egress/ingress() calling skb_do_redirect() as before.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-12
Last Modified
2026-08-17
Generated
2026-09-01
AI Q&A
2026-08-12
EPSS Evaluated
2026-08-31
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a missing handling of TC_ACT_REDIRECT in qdisc filter chains. When a TC filter returns TC_ACT_REDIRECT, the packet should be redirected but instead falls through and is enqueued normally. This issue has existed since bpf_redirect() was introduced and was only exposed later due to changes in bpf_net_context handling.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves TC_ACT_REDIRECT being silently ignored in qdisc filter chains. Detection requires checking kernel logs for packet drops or misrouted traffic in qdisc filter chains. Use commands like 'dmesg | grep -i redirect' or 'tc -s qdisc show' to inspect qdisc behavior. Monitor for unexpected packet loss or misrouted traffic.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause packets to not be redirected as intended, leading to unexpected network behavior. It may result in packet loss or misrouted traffic, potentially disrupting network operations that rely on packet redirection.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability affects compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA by potentially enabling unauthorized network traffic redirection. If exploited, it could allow attackers to bypass security controls, leading to data exfiltration or unauthorized access to sensitive information, which violates confidentiality requirements in these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel patches addressing this issue. Avoid using TC_ACT_REDIRECT in qdisc filter chains until patched. Review and update eBPF programs using bpf_redirect() to ensure compatibility. Monitor network traffic for signs of misrouted packets or drops.

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