CVE-2026-64526 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ethtool: tsconfig: fix missing ethnl_ops_complete()
tsconfig_prepare_data() calls ethnl_ops_begin(), we need to call ethnl_ops_complete() before returning the error.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2026
The vulnerability resides in the linux kernel's ethtool subsystem within the timestamping configuration handling component known as tsconfig. This issue specifically impacts the ethnl_ops_complete() function call sequence during error handling scenarios. The root cause stems from an incomplete function call pattern where tsconfig_prepare_data() invokes ethnl_ops_begin() to initiate operations but fails to properly terminate them with ethnl_ops_complete() before returning an error condition.
When examining this vulnerability through the lens of common weakness enumeration, it aligns with CWE-691 which covers insufficient control flow management in kernel space operations. The flaw represents a resource management issue where operational contexts are not properly cleaned up, potentially leading to inconsistent state conditions within the network subsystem. This type of error handling deficiency can create opportunities for resource leaks or improper context management that may be exploitable under certain circumstances.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests primarily in the kernel's network timestamping capabilities where the ethnl_ops_begin() function establishes a communication context with userspace applications through the ethtool netlink interface. When an error occurs during tsconfig_prepare_data() execution, the failure to call ethnl_ops_complete() leaves the operational context in an indeterminate state that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors attempting to manipulate network timing operations or disrupt normal network functionality.
From an attack perspective this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the attack tactics and techniques framework where adversaries might attempt to leverage improper error handling in kernel subsystems. The issue particularly affects systems utilizing ethtool for advanced timestamping configurations, making it relevant to industrial control systems, high-frequency trading platforms, and any infrastructure requiring precise network timing measurements. The vulnerability could enable denial of service conditions or potentially provide a foothold for privilege escalation attempts if the incomplete cleanup leads to memory corruption or other exploitable states.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves ensuring proper error handling implementation where every call to ethnl_ops_begin() is paired with a corresponding ethnl_ops_complete() call regardless of execution path. This requires careful code review and modification to guarantee that all code paths through tsconfig_prepare_data() properly clean up operational contexts before returning error conditions. System administrators should also consider applying the relevant kernel security patches that address this specific function call imbalance. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network timestamping behavior or related system calls could help detect exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability in production environments.