CVE-2026-98791
Received Received - Intake

NULL Dereference in Linux Kernel's mlx5e AF_XDP TX Timestamp Handling

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: net/mlx5e: Fix AF_XDP TX timestamp teardown NULL dereference During XSK TX queue teardown, outstanding descriptors are completed without a CQE. If one requested a TX timestamp, the completion path passes that NULL CQE to mlx5e_xsk_fill_timestamp(), which dereferences it. Return zero when no CQE is available, indicating that teardown did not produce a TX timestamp.

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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-2026-98791
EUVD
EUVD-2026-103876

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 5 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
Linux Linux ec706a860eba99bf934d59f74b5db90af44e882e
Linux Linux ec706a860eba99bf934d59f74b5db90af44e882e
Linux Linux ec706a860eba99bf934d59f74b5db90af44e882e
Linux Linux ec706a860eba99bf934d59f74b5db90af44e882e
Linux Linux 6.8

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Exploitability

CWE
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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 a NULL dereference during AF_XDP TX queue teardown. When outstanding descriptors are completed without a CQE, the completion path incorrectly passes a NULL CQE to mlx5e_xsk_fill_timestamp(), causing a crash.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's mlx5e driver and AF_XDP functionality. Detection requires checking kernel logs for NULL dereference errors during XSK TX queue teardown. Monitor dmesg or system logs for errors related to mlx5e or AF_XDP operations.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause system crashes or instability when using AF_XDP TX queues with timestamp requests in the Linux kernel. It may lead to denial of service if the affected component is critical.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the kernel patch that resolves this issue. Update to a Linux kernel version containing the fix for net/mlx5e AF_XDP TX timestamp teardown. If immediate patching is not possible, disable AF_XDP functionality or avoid using TX timestamp features in affected configurations.

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