CVE-2026-89565
Received Received - Intake

IPIP Tunnel skb Leak in Linux Kernel

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-89565, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-09-11

Last updated on: 2026-09-11

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ipip: fix skb leak in collect_md mode when metadata_dst allocation fails In collect_md mode ipip_tunnel_rcv() returns 0 without freeing the skb when ip_tun_rx_dst() fails to allocate the metadata_dst. ipip_rcv() and mplsip_rcv() are registered as xfrm_tunnel handlers, so tunnel4_rcv() and tunnelmpls4_rcv() read the zero return as "the packet has been consumed" and do not free it either. The skb is leaked. The other tunnel drivers all dispose of the packet at this point: ip6_tunnel.c jumps to its drop label, ip_gre.c and ip6_gre.c return PACKET_REJECT, which makes gre_rcv() free the skb. Only ipip returns 0. Jump to the existing drop label instead. It frees the skb and still returns 0, so the packet keeps being reported as consumed, which is what we want here: the outer header has already been pulled, and neither the remaining handlers nor an ICMP unreachable have any use for it. Triggering this needs an ipip or mplsip tunnel in collect_md mode and an atomic allocation failure, which is why it has gone unnoticed.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-11
Last Modified
2026-09-11
Generated
2026-09-12
AI Q&A
2026-09-12
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This is a Linux kernel vulnerability where skb (socket buffer) leaks occur in collect_md mode when metadata_dst allocation fails. The ipip_tunnel_rcv() function returns 0 without freeing the skb, causing it to be incorrectly marked as consumed by tunnel handlers. This leads to memory leaks as the skb is not properly released.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves a skb leak in the Linux kernel's ipip tunnel when metadata_dst allocation fails. Detection requires checking for leaked skb structures in ipip or mplsip tunnels operating in collect_md mode. Monitor kernel logs for allocation failures or unusual skb leaks. Use commands like 'dmesg | grep ipip' or 'ip -d tunnel show' to inspect tunnel configurations and logs for errors.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can cause memory leaks in the Linux kernel when using ipip or mplsip tunnels in collect_md mode. This may lead to gradual exhaustion of kernel memory, potentially causing system instability or crashes over time.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel patches to fix the skb leak in ipip_tunnel_rcv. Disable ipip or mplsip tunnels in collect_md mode if not required. Monitor system memory usage for leaks and restart affected tunnels after patching. Ensure atomic allocations are not exhausted during tunnel operations.

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