CVE-2026-98044
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Reject legacy packet loads from callbacks check_ld_abs() models a failed BPF_LD_ABS or BPF_LD_IND in a subprogram as an implicit return with R0 set to zero. It calls prepare_func_exit() to explore this synthesized path. When the load is reached directly from a synchronous callback, prepare_func_exit() enforces the callback return contract and marks R0 precise. R0 is not derived from a real instruction on this path, so precision backtracking reaches the callback call with R0 still requested and triggers the "callback unexpected regs" verifier bug. A privileged program loader can therefore cause a verifier warning and an -EFAULT BPF_PROG_LOAD. These legacy packet-load instructions are deprecated. Reject them from callbacks rather than complicating their implicit-return model. Check all active frames before constructing the implicit return so nested static subprograms cannot hide the callback context. Global functions are verified independently with a fresh frame zero, so an active-frame check cannot identify a global function called from a callback. Also check the complete subprogram call graph during stack-depth validation and reject a function containing a legacy load when any caller is a callback. This covers global and static descendants without making has_ld_abs transitive, preserving its per-function BTF return-type check. Ordinary uses outside callbacks remain supported.
Affected versions
Linux kernel versions
6.18.42,
5.10.265,
5.15.216,
6.1.183,
6.6.148,
6.12.101,
7.0.10,
7.1
and later are affected. Fixed in
6.18.53,
7.2.7,
7.3-rc2
and their respective stable series.
References
3 totalFrequently asked questions
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What is CVE-2026-98044?
CVE-2026-98044 is a unscored severity Linux kernel vulnerability . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.18.42 onward and has been patched in 6.18.53, 7.2.7 and 7.3-rc2. CVE-2026-98044 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
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Is there a patch available for CVE-2026-98044?
Yes. CVE-2026-98044 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.18.53, 7.2.7 and 7.3-rc2. If you are running Linux kernel 6.18.42 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.
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Is CVE-2026-98044 actively exploited?
No. CVE-2026-98044 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.