CVE-2026-72498 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
RDMA/bnxt_re: Avoid displaying the kernel pointer
While dumping the info on MR using the rdma tool, we dump the mr_hwq which is a kernel pointer. There is no need to expose this value for end user. So avoid it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Linux kernel's RDMA bnxt_re driver where improper information disclosure occurs during memory region dumping operations. The issue manifests when the rdma tool queries memory region information, specifically exposing internal kernel pointers through the mr_hwq field. This represents a classic information exposure flaw that violates fundamental security principles by revealing sensitive internal system structures to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-209 Information Exposure Through an Error Message, though more specifically aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-200 Information Exposure, as it inadvertently exposes kernel memory addresses through user-facing interfaces.
The technical flaw stems from the driver's insufficient validation and sanitization of internal data structures before exposing them to user-space applications. When the rdma tool executes commands to dump memory region information, it accesses the mr_hwq field which contains a direct kernel pointer reference. This pointer value represents an internal memory address within the kernel's virtual address space, making it potentially exploitable for advanced attackers seeking to understand kernel memory layout or perform further exploitation techniques. The flaw occurs at the interface between kernel and user-space components where proper abstraction and sanitization should occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with valuable insights into kernel memory organization that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. While the immediate risk may seem limited to exposing kernel pointers, such information can be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to perform kernel address space layout randomization (ASLR) bypass techniques or aid in developing more targeted exploits. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing the bnxt_re RDMA driver and exposes all users who have access to the rdma tool, potentially impacting enterprise environments where RDMA is deployed for high-performance computing applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper data sanitization at the kernel-user interface boundary where memory region information is exposed. The fix involves modifying the driver's dump functionality to exclude or obscure kernel pointer values from user-space output, ensuring that only relevant operational parameters are displayed while maintaining system security. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and information hiding as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1211 Lateral Tool Transfer. System administrators should ensure kernel updates are applied promptly to remediate this vulnerability, while also implementing monitoring for unauthorized access to RDMA tools that could be exploited to gather additional system information.