Netfilter Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Affects Network Traffic Management

CVE-2026-31414

What is CVE-2026-31414?

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter component involves improper reference count management within the nf_conntrack_expect function. Specifically, the issue arises when using nfct_help() without holding a reference to the master conntrack, potentially compromising the helper name in user space. The updated implementation now requires that an explicit helper be provided when creating network expectations, ensuring the system retains safer behavior while maintaining the integrity of the connection tracking mechanisms. This change safeguards applications relying on the Linux kernel for reliable network traffic management.

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