CVE-2026-98540
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's function probe (fprobe) tracing component. This vulnerability can result in a Denial of Service (DoS) due to improper memory initialization. When tracing kernel functions, unused shadow stack space is left uncleared, causing return routines to parse leftover data from earlier calls as valid headers. A local user with tracing privileges can trigger this issue to run probe exit handlers unexpectedly, leading to kernel instability or a system crash.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 4.4 | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | N/A |
| Privileges Required | High | N/A | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | N/A | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | N/A | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory; Read Application Data
When reusing a resource such as memory or a program variable, the original contents may not have been cleared before it is sent to an untrusted party.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; DoS: Instability
The uninitialized resource may contain values that cause program flow to change in ways that the programmer did not intend, possibly leading to a crash.
Other
Technical Impact: Unexpected State; Varies by Context
The consequences vary depending on the type of resource and how it is used within the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
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