Linux Kernel Vulnerability Affecting Packet Transmission Management

CVE-2026-98850

What is CVE-2026-98850?

A vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel related to the management of packet transmission in the TX_RING, where the byte count can overflow, leading to potential kernel panics. The issue arises during packet processing via tpacket_snd(), which allows userspace to recycle completed frames concurrently, creating scenarios where the total byte length exceeds manageable limits. This overflow can cause unexpected behavior and system instability, particularly in environments using CAP_NET_RAW privileges. A fix has been implemented to ensure that the byte count remains within safe limits, preventing negative wraparounds during concurrent send operations.

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