CVE-2026-97901
Received Received - Intake

Memory Leak in Linux Kernel Genetlink Policy Dump

Publication date: 2026-09-25

Last updated on: 2026-09-25

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: genetlink: pin family module during policy dump The generic netlink controller's policy dump keeps pointers to the target family's operation and policy tables in its callback state. A dump may be split across multiple skbs and remain pending after the initial request. Netlink pins the module which owns the dump callback, but in this case that is the controller's owner rather than the target family's owner. The target family can consequently be unregistered and its module unloaded while a policy dump is pending. Advancing the dump then dereferences policy memory from the unloaded module. Take a reference to the target family's module when the dump starts. Drop it from the error and done paths. This matches the lifetime for which the dump context retains the family and policy pointers.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-09-25
Last Modified
2026-09-25
Generated
2026-09-25
AI Q&A
2026-09-25
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-97901
EUVD
EUVD-2026-86755

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a flaw in the generic netlink controller's policy dump mechanism. When a policy dump is split across multiple network packets and remains pending, the controller pins the wrong module (its own) instead of the target family's module. This allows the target family to be unregistered and its module unloaded while the dump is still in progress, leading to potential dereferencing of freed memory when the dump advances.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's generic netlink controller and requires kernel-level inspection. Detection involves checking kernel logs for related errors or monitoring for module unloading during policy dumps. Commands like dmesg, journalctl, or checking kernel module states may help identify unusual behavior. No direct commands are provided in the context.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code in the Linux kernel by exploiting the memory corruption that occurs when a policy dump references unloaded module memory. Systems running vulnerable kernel versions may crash or become unstable.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest kernel updates or patches from your Linux distribution to resolve the issue. Monitor kernel security advisories and update the genetlink-related components. Restart services if necessary after patching. No specific commands are provided in the context.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-97901. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart