CVE-2026-98359: Linux Vulnerability (CVSS 7)

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/core: Reject unregistering netdevs in ib_get_eth_speed ib_device_get_netdev() intentionally returns a referenced net_device even when it is unregistering, so matching and cleanup callers can still find the association. The reference keeps struct net_device allocated, but does not guarantee that the device remains operational. ib_get_eth_speed() uses the returned device operationally by invoking its ethtool callback. Although that call is made under RTNL, the function does not verify the registration state first. An asynchronous RDMA port query can therefore call into a netdev after NETDEV_UNREGISTER and ndo_uninit have completed. Check for NETREG_REGISTERED while holding RTNL and return -ENODEV for a device which is being unregistered. Keeping RTNL across the check and the ethtool operation prevents unregister from starting between them. Keep the speed fallback and warning under RTNL as well, so the warning can safely read netdev->name. Drop the netdev reference before releasing RTNL once all accesses to the device are complete.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.17%

5.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Source: CNA advisory (CVE.org). NVD analysis pending.

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux	>= d41861942fc55c14b6280d9568a0d0112037f065, < be4b44c8b47c67a04c08b1a0aba18006b749ae6a; >= d41861942fc55c14b6280d9568a0d0112037f065, < 45c60ffc79771bad154f224a05753191cf1b37bc; >= d41861942fc55c14b6280d9568a0d0112037f065, < 520cd057f138ed8dbe8e05f0eae3a8ed4c5d3a5e; >= d41861942fc55c14b6280d9568a0d0112037f065, < a219459fbd1b2598e63c81a52847eba6c28b72d2; >= d41861942fc55c14b6280d9568a0d0112037f065, < 5bd42f74ec3b4f4687fb600f367af0828d513b3c; >= d41861942fc55c14b6280d9568a0d0112037f065, < ef9fbe1b93f3b617b96e86d5cd76b3fa44514cb5
Linux	Linux	4.14

References

Timeline

Published: Oct 6, 2026
Last Modified: Oct 7, 2026
Status: Received

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-98359?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/core: Reject unregistering netdevs in ib_get_eth_speed ib_device_get_netdev() intentionally returns a referenced net_device even when it is unregistering, so matching and cleanup callers can still find the association. The reference keeps struct net_device allocated, but does not guarantee that the device remains operational. ib_get_eth_speed() uses the returned device operationally by invoking its ethtool callback. Although that call is made under RTNL, the function does not verify the registration state first. An asynchronous RDMA port query can therefore call into a netdev after NETDEV_UNREGISTER and ndo_uninit have completed. Check for NETREG_REGISTERED while holding RTNL and return -ENODEV for a device which is being unregistered. Keeping RTNL across the check and the ethtool operation prevents unregister from starting between them. Keep the speed fallback and warning under RTNL as well, so the warning can safely read netdev->name. Drop the netdev reference before releasing RTNL once all accesses to the device are complete.

How severe is CVE-2026-98359?

CVE-2026-98359 has a CVSS score of 7/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-98359?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

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