Linux Kernel up to 6.12.112/6.18.55/7.2.9/7.3-rc5 ath9k ath9k_wmi_rsp_callback buffer overflow

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.0$5k-$25k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.112/6.18.55/7.2.9/7.3-rc5. It has been classified as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is the function ath9k_wmi_rsp_callback of the component ath9k. Performing a manipulation results in buffer overflow. This vulnerability is cataloged as CVE-2026-98828. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. There is no exploit available. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.112/6.18.55/7.2.9/7.3-rc5. This affects the function ath9k_wmi_rsp_callback of the component ath9k. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a buffer overflow vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-120. The product copies an input buffer to an output buffer without verifying that the size of the input buffer is less than the size of the output buffer, leading to a buffer overflow. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: ath9k: reject short WMI command responses ath9k_wmi_rsp_callback() removes the validated WMI header and copies the number of bytes expected by the waiting command into its response buffer. A device response shorter than that expectation can therefore be read beyond the skb payload. Record -EMSGSIZE for a short response, complete the waiter, and return the stored status from the command path. This also prevents callers from consuming stale response bytes as a successful reply.

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-98828 since 09/25/2026. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 10/18/2026).

Upgrading to version 6.12.113, 6.18.56, 7.2.10 or 7.3-rc6 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 03ef61d05aa26022327f971b790f07e6bf6e35d6/e0c21130c1c7791ba73b19a3a9ea767c8cd43745/a3b0137c855a61371d9cf9993b8bcc33c9798202/93ce8ea70451e800601bc9444aa33043de15d67b is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

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Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.0

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 7.0
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: Buffer overflow
CWE: CWE-120 / CWE-119
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 6.12.113/6.18.56/7.2.10/7.3-rc6
Patch: 03ef61d05aa26022327f971b790f07e6bf6e35d6/e0c21130c1c7791ba73b19a3a9ea767c8cd43745/a3b0137c855a61371d9cf9993b8bcc33c9798202/93ce8ea70451e800601bc9444aa33043de15d67b

Timelineinfo

09/25/2026 CVE reserved
10/18/2026 +23 days Advisory disclosed
10/18/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
10/18/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-98828 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-98828
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-421839

Entryinfo

Created: 10/18/2026 18:23
Changes: 10/18/2026 18:23 (59)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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