Linux Kernel up to 6.18.51/7.2.5 pmem pmem_submit_bio improper synchronization

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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9.5$0-$5k0.00+

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.51/7.2.5. It has been classified as very critical. Affected by this issue is the function pmem_submit_bio of the component pmem. This manipulation causes improper synchronization. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2026-98161. The attack can be initiated remotely. There is not any exploit available. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.51/7.2.5. It has been declared as very critical. Affected by this vulnerability is the function pmem_submit_bio of the component pmem. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a improper synchronization vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-662. The product utilizes multiple threads or processes to allow temporary access to a shared resource that can only be exclusive to one process at a time, but it does not properly synchronize these actions, which might cause simultaneous accesses of this resource by multiple threads or processes. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvdimm: pmem: keep PREFLUSH before data writes pmem_submit_bio() records a REQ_PREFLUSH error, but continues to copy the bio data and can later overwrite the error with a successful REQ_FUA flush. That lets data writes run after a failed preflush and can complete the bio successfully despite the failed ordering barrier. Run the REQ_PREFLUSH flush synchronously before touching the bio data and complete the bio with the flush error if it fails. Keep asynchronous flush chaining for REQ_FUA. At that point, data copy has completed and the parent bio can wait for the chained flush bio.

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2026-98161 since 09/25/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be launched remotely. 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 09/25/2026).

Upgrading to version 6.18.52, 7.2.6 or 7.3-rc1 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 770a90c2127220f0fc194ce909ad4f0842e141cb/72561ca1ab96f0f0f32737a6171641e05a318538/c644a2f8fef5618fcf453c591177700fd07dd024 is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 9.9
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 9.5

VulDB Base Score: 9.9
VulDB Temp Score: 9.5
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Improper synchronization
CWE: CWE-662
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc1
Patch: 770a90c2127220f0fc194ce909ad4f0842e141cb/72561ca1ab96f0f0f32737a6171641e05a318538/c644a2f8fef5618fcf453c591177700fd07dd024

Timelineinfo

09/25/2026 Advisory disclosed
09/25/2026 +0 days CVE reserved
09/25/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/25/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-98161 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-98161
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-410191

Entryinfo

Created: 09/25/2026 15:31
Changes: 09/25/2026 15:31 (59)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

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