Linux Kernel up to 7.1.8 ntb_netdev ntb_netdev_rx_handler allocation of resources

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.1.8. It has been rated as critical. Affected is the function ntb_netdev_rx_handler of the component ntb_netdev. The manipulation leads to allocation of resources. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2026-74626. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. No exploit is available.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.1.8. It has been rated as critical. This issue affects the function ntb_netdev_rx_handler of the component ntb_netdev. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a allocation of resources vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-770. The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated, in violation of the intended security policy for that actor. Impacted is availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: NTB: ntb_netdev: Preserve RX queue depth on allocation failure ntb_netdev_rx_handler() hands the received skb to the network stack before allocating its replacement. If the allocation fails, nothing is reposted. Every failure therefore takes one buffer out of the RX queue while the interface remains up, and enough failures eventually stall reception. A retry path could refill the queue later, but ntb_netdev has none. Allocate the replacement first instead. If that fails, drop the packet and repost the same skb. This keeps the queue full and lets packet delivery resume as soon as memory is available again.

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-74626 since 08/15/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is needed for a successful exploitation. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 08/22/2026). The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1499 according to MITRE ATT&CK.

Upgrading to version 7.1.9 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 755fd7843f300d724caceabdf9bb13adc8701540/d2121faf133ac3bf9531b53a7e21273649a08517 is able to eliminate this problem.

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Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 7.1.0
• 7.1.1
• 7.1.2
• 7.1.3
• 7.1.4
• 7.1.5
• 7.1.6
• 7.1.7
• 7.1.8

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

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