CVE-2026-98616

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: eth: fbnic: reset num_napi when the napi vectors are freed fbn->num_napi is the count of live napi vectors, each of which owns an IRQ. The PM path had freed them without clearing the count. fbnic_pm_suspend() tears the datapath down via ndo_stop() and frees the IRQs, but leaves netif_running() true so resume knows to re-open. Resume rebuilds the datapath in __fbnic_pm_resume() and fbnic_reset_queues() sets num_napi and __fbnic_open() re-allocates the vectors. When the datapath is torn down but never rebuilt, num_napi is left pointing at freed vectors under 2 different scenarios: - a PCIe error recovery that fails (fbnic_err_slot_reset() -> __fbnic_pm_resume() returns an error -> PCI_ERS_RESULT_DISCONNECT), so .resume never runs; or - an __fbnic_open() that fails partway on resume and unwinds, freeing the vectors after fbnic_reset_queues() has already set num_napi. The netdev is then running with num_napi > 0 but napi[] freed, and the eventual remove/unbind close re-enters fbnic_down() -> fbnic_dbg_down() and dereferences the freed vectors: BUG: kernel NULL pointer dereference, address: 0000000000000210 RIP: fbnic_dbg_down+0x28 Clear num_napi when the vectors are freed: in the suspend teardown (a good resume re-establishes it before __fbnic_open()) and on the resume open failure. A redundant ndo_stop() then walks an empty napi[]. The normal ndo_stop() down/up cycle is untouched and keeps num_napi for the next ndo_open().

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2026-10-18
Last modified 2026-10-18
Patch available
Yes

Affected versions

Linux kernel versions 6.11 and later are affected. Fixed in 6.18.55, 7.2.9, 7.3 and their respective stable series.

Affected from
≥ 6.11
Fixed in
✓ 6.18.55 6.18.x ✓ 7.2.9 7.2.x ✓ 7.3

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2026-98616?

    CVE-2026-98616 is a unscored severity Linux kernel vulnerability . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.11 onward and has been patched in 6.18.55, 7.2.9 and 7.3. CVE-2026-98616 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2026-98616?

    Yes. CVE-2026-98616 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.18.55, 7.2.9 and 7.3. If you are running Linux kernel 6.11 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.

  • Is CVE-2026-98616 actively exploited?

    No. CVE-2026-98616 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.