CVE-2026-64412 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: ebtables: module names must be null-terminated
We need to explicitly check the length, else we may pass non-null terminated string to request_module().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2026
The vulnerability in question affects the Linux kernel's netfilter subsystem, specifically within the ebtables module which handles ethernet frame filtering. This issue represents a classic buffer overflow condition that arises from improper string handling practices. The problem occurs when the ebtables module processes module names without ensuring proper null termination of strings before passing them to the request_module() function. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and improper memory management during string operations.
The technical flaw manifests when the kernel's ebtables implementation receives module names that may not be properly terminated with null characters. When these potentially unterminated strings are passed to request_module(), the kernel's module loading mechanism may read beyond the intended buffer boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior. This can result in information disclosure, denial of service, or potentially arbitrary code execution depending on the memory corruption patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for execution through command and script interpreters, as the affected function ultimately invokes kernel module loading operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across all Linux systems running kernel versions containing the affected ebtables implementation. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness by crafting malicious ebtables rules that trigger the vulnerable code path, leading to system instability or privilege escalation opportunities. Systems with active ebtables configurations are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be triggered through normal network filtering operations. The issue affects both x86 and arm architectures where the netfilter subsystem is implemented.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions containing the patched ebtables implementation, which explicitly checks string lengths and ensures proper null termination before invoking request_module(). Administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual ebtables rule modifications and ensure that only trusted users have the ability to modify network filtering rules. The fix addresses the core issue by enforcing strict bounds checking on module name strings, preventing the propagation of unterminated strings to kernel functions that require properly formatted input. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux Kernel Security documentation and represents a fundamental improvement in kernel string handling procedures.