CVE-2026-98698
Received Received - Intake

Buffer Overflow in Linux Kernel WiFi Subsystem

Publication date: 2026-10-18

Last updated on: 2026-10-18

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mac80211: handle empty FILS association request payload fils_encrypt_assoc_req() accepts a (Re)Association Request frame whose last element is the FILS Session element. crypt_len is then zero and aes_siv_encrypt() is called with an empty plaintext. kmemdup() returns ZERO_SIZE_PTR for a zero-length allocation, so the unconditional sg_init_one() puts an invalid page into the scatterlist. With CONFIG_DEBUG_SG this triggers a kernel BUG in sg_set_buf(); without the debug check the bogus page is handed to the crypto backend. AES-SIV is defined for empty plaintext and the S2V result is then the complete output, so handle this case before the CTR step, which has nothing to encrypt.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-10-18
Last Modified
2026-10-18
Generated
2026-10-18
AI Q&A
2026-10-18
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-98698
EUVD
EUVD-2026-103952

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 5 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
Linux Linux 39404feee691a2dc524a629ed6eb5cfe5d8898d1
Linux Linux 39404feee691a2dc524a629ed6eb5cfe5d8898d1
Linux Linux 39404feee691a2dc524a629ed6eb5cfe5d8898d1
Linux Linux 39404feee691a2dc524a629ed6eb5cfe5d8898d1
Linux Linux 4.10

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Exploitability

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KEV
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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 an empty FILS association request payload in the mac80211 subsystem. When a zero-length plaintext is passed to aes_siv_encrypt(), kmemdup() returns a null pointer, causing sg_init_one() to insert an invalid page into the scatterlist. This triggers a kernel bug in sg_set_buf() if CONFIG_DEBUG_SG is enabled, or corrupts data if not.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's wifi subsystem, specifically the mac80211 module handling FILS association requests. Detection requires checking kernel logs for crashes or BUG messages related to scatterlist or crypto operations. Monitor logs for sg_set_buf() errors or AES-SIV related failures during wireless association attempts.

Impact Analysis

This flaw could lead to kernel crashes (kernel BUG) or data corruption if exploited. It may cause system instability or denial-of-service conditions. Attackers could potentially trigger the bug by sending maliciously crafted Wi-Fi frames.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel security updates that address this issue. If immediate patching is not possible, disable the affected wireless features or restrict wireless network access until the update is applied. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates addressing CVE-2026-98698.

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