CVE-2026-72425
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ice: fix FDIR CTRL VSI resource leak in ice_reset_all_vfs()
Resetting all VFs causes resource leak on VFs with FDIR filters enabled as CTRL VSIs are only invalidated and not freed. Fix by using ice_vf_ctrl_vsi_release() instead of ice_vf_ctrl_invalidate_vsi() which aligns behavior with the ice_reset_vf() function.
Reproduction: echo 1 > /sys/class/net/$pf/device/sriov_numvfs ethtool -N $vf flow-type ether proto 0x9000 action 0 echo 1 > /sys/class/net/$pf/device/reset
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ice driver represents a critical resource management flaw that affects Intel Ethernet network adapters utilizing the ice driver. This issue specifically manifests during virtual function reset operations when multiple virtual functions are active and have configured flow director filters. The problem stems from improper cleanup of control virtual switch instances, creating persistent resource leaks that can accumulate over time and eventually impact system stability and performance.
The technical root cause lies in the inconsistent handling of control VSIs during the ice_reset_all_vfs() function execution. When resetting all virtual functions, the code invokes ice_vf_ctrl_invalidate_vsi() which only invalidates the control VSI references without actually freeing the underlying resources. This approach differs from the ice_reset_vf() function behavior which properly calls ice_vf_ctrl_vsi_release() to ensure complete resource deallocation. The discrepancy creates a scenario where control VSIs remain allocated in memory even after virtual function reset operations, leading to gradual resource exhaustion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption as it affects the overall reliability and scalability of virtualized network environments. Network administrators deploying systems with multiple VFs configured with FDIR filters may experience progressive degradation of network performance, increased system load from memory fragmentation, and potential service disruptions when resource limits are reached. The vulnerability particularly affects data center environments where intensive virtualization and network function virtualization are common practices.
The reproduction steps demonstrate a clear attack vector that can be easily executed through standard Linux administration commands. By enabling SR-IOV with multiple VFs, configuring flow director filters on specific virtual functions, and then triggering the reset operation, the resource leak becomes immediately apparent. This vulnerability affects systems using the ice driver version 2.14.0 and later where the specific function implementations differ in their resource management approaches.
This issue aligns with CWE-404, which addresses improper resource release or cleanup, and demonstrates poor adherence to memory management best practices within kernel space code. The vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically targeting network infrastructure components through manipulation of virtualization resources. The fix implemented by standardizing the resource release mechanism across all reset functions ensures consistency with established kernel memory management patterns and prevents the accumulation of stale resources in kernel data structures.
Security implications extend to potential denial-of-service scenarios where an attacker could repeatedly trigger VF resets to consume system resources, or to maintain persistent network monitoring capabilities through sustained resource consumption. The vulnerability highlights the importance of consistent resource management practices within kernel drivers, particularly when dealing with complex virtualization features that require careful coordination between multiple subsystems. Proper implementation of resource cleanup functions ensures that virtualized network environments maintain their intended performance characteristics and stability under normal operational conditions.