Linux Kernel up to 7.2.9/7.3-rc5 mtd mtd_otp_nvmem_add otp_user_nvmem double free

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability marked as very critical has been reported in Linux Kernel up to 7.2.9/7.3-rc5. The affected element is the function mtd_otp_nvmem_add of the component mtd. Performing a manipulation of the argument otp_user_nvmem results in double free. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2026-98834. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. No exploit is available. It is suggested to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 7.2.9/7.3-rc5. It has been classified as very critical. This affects the function mtd_otp_nvmem_add of the component mtd. The manipulation of the argument otp_user_nvmem with an unknown input leads to a double free vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-415. The product calls free() twice on the same memory address, potentially leading to modification of unexpected memory locations. 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: mtd: core: avoid double-free of OTP NVMEM device If factory OTP setup fails after the user OTP NVMEM device has been registered, mtd_otp_nvmem_add() unregisters the user device but leaves mtd->otp_user_nvmem set. On an error, the caller unregisters it again. For -EOPNOTSUPP, registration continues and normal teardown unregisters it again. Clear mtd->otp_user_nvmem after unregistering it.

The advisory is shared at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-98834 since 09/25/2026. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. Technical details are known, but no exploit is available. The price for an exploit might be around USD $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 10/18/2026).

Upgrading to version 7.2.10 or 7.3-rc6 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch cecf007418b93a2cbc94269e07fe2fb28f54d8fb/26300879cd8e4612dce66bb8f6ff7cd35fcf3e59 is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

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Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 7.2.0
• 7.2.1
• 7.2.2
• 7.2.3
• 7.2.4
• 7.2.5
• 7.2.6
• 7.2.7
• 7.2.8
• 7.2.9
• 7.3-rc1
• 7.3-rc2
• 7.3-rc3
• 7.3-rc4
• 7.3-rc5

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

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