CVE-2026-98861
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fprobe: Use guard(rcu_sched_notrace) and check rcu_is_watching() unregister_fprobe() and unregister_fprobe_async() (used by BPF kprobe-multi) rely on standard RCU grace periods (synchronize_rcu() and call_rcu()) to wait until in-flight fprobe handlers complete before freeing the fprobe. However, if an fprobe handler executes while RCU is not watching (such as in the idle loop or nohz_full extended quiescent states), standard RCU does not track preemption-disabled sections. Consequently, synchronize_rcu() does not wait for those executions, which can lead to a use-after-free if the fprobe is freed immediately after unregistration. Ensure handlers exit early when !rcu_is_watching(). Furthermore, fprobe_fgraph_entry() and fprobe_ftrace_entry() previously used guard(rcu)() and rcu_read_lock(), which invoke lockdep on every hit under CONFIG_PROVE_LOCKING. This adds overhead and can cause lockdep recursion if probed functions interact with lockdep. Since rhltable_lookup() and rhl_for_each_entry_rcu() use rcu_dereference_all_check() (which checks rcu_read_lock_any_held()), holding preemption disabled via rcu_read_lock_sched_notrace() is fully valid and sufficient so long as rcu_is_watching() is true. Define and use guard(rcu_sched_notrace)() across fprobe_ftrace_entry(), fprobe_fgraph_entry(), and fprobe_return(). This eliminates fast-path rcu_read_lock() and lockdep overhead while guaranteeing safe grace period synchronization.
Affected versions
Linux kernel versions
6.18.34,
7.0.11,
7.1
and later are affected. Fixed in
6.18.56,
7.2.10,
7.3
and their respective stable series.
References
3 totalFrequently asked questions
-
What is CVE-2026-98861?
CVE-2026-98861 is a unscored severity Linux kernel vulnerability . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.18.34 onward and has been patched in 6.18.56, 7.2.10 and 7.3. CVE-2026-98861 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
-
Is there a patch available for CVE-2026-98861?
Yes. CVE-2026-98861 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.18.56, 7.2.10 and 7.3. If you are running Linux kernel 6.18.34 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.
-
Is CVE-2026-98861 actively exploited?
No. CVE-2026-98861 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.