CVE-2026-68413 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ipw2100: fix potential memory leak in ipw2100_pci_init_one()
The memory allocated in the ipw2100_alloc_device() function is not freed in some of the error paths in ipw2100_pci_init_one(). Fix that by converting the direct return into a goto to the error path return.
The error path when pci_enable_device() fails cannot jump to fail, since at this point priv is not set, so perform error handling inline.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
This vulnerability represents a memory leak flaw in the linux kernel's wireless subsystem specifically affecting the ipw2100 driver implementation. The issue occurs within the pci initialization function where proper error handling mechanisms are not correctly implemented, leading to potential memory resource exhaustion over time. The vulnerability stems from inadequate cleanup procedures during error conditions, creating a scenario where allocated memory remains unreleased even when the driver initialization process encounters failures.
The technical flaw manifests in the ipw2100_pci_init_one() function where memory allocation occurs through ipw2100_alloc_device() but subsequent error handling paths fail to properly free this allocated memory. This represents a classic memory leak pattern that aligns with common weakness enumeration cwe-401, which specifically addresses improper management of memory resources. The driver's error handling logic uses direct return statements instead of structured goto-based error handling, breaking the expected cleanup flow and leaving allocated kernel memory in an unrecoverable state.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource waste to potentially destabilize system performance through progressive memory consumption. When multiple initialization attempts occur or when the driver experiences repeated errors during pci device enablement, the cumulative effect can lead to system slowdowns, reduced available memory for other processes, and in extreme cases may contribute to system instability or crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems or environments where memory resources are constrained, as it could accelerate resource depletion to critical levels.
The fix implemented addresses this issue by converting direct return statements into structured goto-based error handling that properly navigates to cleanup routines. This approach ensures that all allocated memory from ipw2100_alloc_device() is consistently freed regardless of which error path is taken during initialization. The specific case where pci_enable_device() fails requires inline error handling since the private structure pointer priv has not yet been initialized, preventing proper goto target resolution. This solution follows established kernel development practices for managing complex error scenarios and aligns with attack mitigation strategies that prevent resource exhaustion attacks targeting kernel memory management.
The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly simple driver initialization code can contain subtle flaws that impact system stability. Proper error handling in kernel space is critical since resource leaks here can persist for extended periods, unlike user-space applications where memory is automatically reclaimed upon process termination. This particular flaw underscores the importance of maintaining consistent cleanup procedures throughout complex initialization sequences and implementing defensive programming practices such as the use of goto-based error handling patterns that are common in kernel development standards and recommended best practices for system reliability.