CVE-2026-74298 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
RDMA/core: Fix FRMR set pinned push error path
Add destruction of FRMR handles in case the push to the pool fails. This prevents resources leak in case pool page allocation fails.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability addressed in this Linux kernel update relates to resource management within the RDMA/core subsystem, specifically concerning Forward Region Memory Registration (FRMR) handle operations. FRMR is a memory registration mechanism used in remote direct memory access implementations that allows efficient memory mapping and access control for high-performance networking operations. The issue arises during the process of setting pinned push operations where the kernel attempts to manage memory resources through a pool allocation system.
This vulnerability represents a resource leak condition that occurs when the kernel fails to properly destroy FRMR handles during error paths within the memory management flow. When the push operation to the pool encounters failures, particularly during page allocation processes, the system does not clean up previously allocated FRMR handles, leading to persistent resource consumption. The technical flaw manifests as improper error handling where the cleanup routine for FRMR resources is bypassed when pool allocation fails, creating a scenario where memory and kernel resources remain allocated indefinitely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource waste, potentially affecting system stability and performance over extended periods of operation. In high-throughput environments utilizing RDMA capabilities, such as data centers or high-performance computing clusters, the accumulation of leaked FRMR handles can lead to progressive resource exhaustion. This degradation affects not only memory utilization but also impacts the overall efficiency of the RDMA subsystem, potentially causing service disruption or reduced network performance for applications relying on remote memory access operations.
The fix implemented addresses this issue by ensuring proper destruction of FRMR handles regardless of whether the push operation to the pool succeeds or fails. This remediation follows established principles of defensive programming and resource management practices that align with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-404, which covers improper resource release or unmanaged resources. The solution ensures that cleanup operations are performed in error paths, preventing resource leaks that could accumulate over time and impact system reliability.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to consume system resources and cause denial of service conditions, particularly in environments where RDMA is extensively used for network communication. While the direct attack surface may be limited to specific kernel operations, the cumulative effect of resource leaks can create conditions favorable for resource exhaustion attacks that align with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under ATT&CK framework category TA0040 (Resource Hijacking). Organizations utilizing Linux systems with RDMA capabilities should prioritize this patch to prevent potential exploitation and maintain system integrity. The fix demonstrates adherence to proper kernel memory management practices and reinforces the importance of comprehensive error handling in critical system components that manage hardware resources directly.