CVE-2026-74430
Received Received - Intake

Null-Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel rxrpc

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-74430, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-08-15

Last updated on: 2026-08-15

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: rxrpc: Fix ACKALL packet handling rxrpc_input_ackall() accepts ACKALL packets without checking whether the call is in a state that can legitimately have outstanding transmit buffers. A forged ACKALL can therefore reach a new service call in RXRPC_CALL_SERVER_RECV_REQUEST before any reply packets have been queued. In that state call->tx_top is zero and call->tx_queue is NULL, so rxrpc_rotate_tx_window() dereferences a NULL txqueue and triggers a null-pointer dereference. Fix the handling of ACKALL packets by the following means: (1) Add two new call states: RXRPC_CALL_CLIENT_PRE_SEND which indicates that the client call is connected, but nothing has been transmitted as yet; and RXRPC_CALL_CLIENT_AWAIT_ACK, which indicates that everything has been transmitted at least once, but we're now waiting for the stuff remaining in the Tx buffer to be ACK'd (retransmissions may still happen). The RXRPC_CALL_CLIENT_PRE_SEND state is set when the call is assigned a channel and transitions to RXRPC_CALL_CLIENT_SEND_REQUEST when the first packet is transmitted. RXRPC_CALL_CLIENT_AWAIT_REPLY is then narrowed in scope to indicate that all Tx packets have been ACK'd and we're now waiting for the reply to be received. (2) As per Wyatt Feng's original patch[1], the ACKALL handler then checks that the call state is one in which there might be stuff in the Tx buffer to ACK, but now this includes AWAIT_ACK rather than AWAIT_REPLY. ACKALL packets are ignored if received in the wrong state. Note that unlike Wyatt Feng's patch, it's no longer necessary to check to see if the Tx buffer exists as this the state set now covers this. (3) Make the ACKALL handler use call->tx_transmitted rather than call->tx_top as the former is explicitly the highest packet seq number transmitted, whereas the latter has a looser definition. Thanks to Jeffrey Altman for a description of the history of the ACKALL packet[1].

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-15
Last Modified
2026-08-15
Generated
2026-08-15
AI Q&A
2026-08-15
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
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 improper handling of ACKALL packets in the rxrpc subsystem. A forged ACKALL packet can trigger a null-pointer dereference by reaching a service call in an invalid state before any reply packets are queued. The issue arises because the call state allows processing ACKALL packets without verifying if the call has outstanding transmit buffers.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's rxrpc subsystem and may not have direct network detection commands. Monitor kernel logs for null-pointer dereference errors or crashes in rxrpc-related processes. Check for kernel oops messages or system crashes that could indicate exploitation.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could cause a system crash due to a null-pointer dereference in the Linux kernel. If exploited, it may lead to denial-of-service conditions, disrupting services relying on the rxrpc subsystem. Systems using vulnerable kernel versions could experience instability or unexpected failures.

Mitigation Strategies

Update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling the rxrpc module if it is not required for your system's operations.

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