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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-23445 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's igc driver has been identified, which can cause a page fault when handling XDP TX timestamps. This issue arises when an XDP application requesting TX timestamping shuts down while the interface link remains up, leaving behind stale xsk_meta pointers that the IRQ handler attempts to access. The problem has been addressed by cleaning up the stale xsk meta data on TX shutdown. Affected systems may experience page faults if not patched.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-04-03
Original CVE updated
2026-07-24
Advisory published
2026-04-03
Advisory updated
2026-07-24

Who should care

System administrators and users of Linux kernel versions 6.10.1 to 6.12.78, 6.13 to 6.18.20, and 6.19 to 6.19.10 should be aware of this vulnerability and apply the necessary patches to prevent potential page faults in the igc driver. Additionally, security teams and operators managing Linux systems should review system configurations and logs for signs of exploitation.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's igc driver is vulnerable to a page fault issue in XDP TX timestamps handling. When an XDP application shuts down while the interface link is still up, it leaves behind xsk_meta pointers that the IRQ handler tries to access, causing a page fault. The issue is resolved by cleaning up stale xsk meta data on TX shutdown. Affected versions include Linux kernel 6.10.1 to 6.12.78, 6.13 to 6.18.20, and 6.19 to 6.19.10. Defenders should focus on patching and monitoring.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply patches from Linux kernel stable branches to update the igc driver
  • Ensure XDP applications are properly shut down to prevent stale xsk_meta pointers
  • Monitor system logs for page faults related to the igc driver
  • Update Linux kernel to versions 6.12.79, 6.18.21, or 6.19.11, or later
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-04-03T16:16:30.077Z and last modified on 2026-07-24T21:10:00.143Z. The NVD entry is currently Modified. Evidence is limited to public CVE and NVD information. Defenders should verify system configurations, review logs for page faults related to the igc driver, and ensure XDP applications are properly shut down.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-23445 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-23445

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-23445 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-23445

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/31521c124e6488c4a81658e35199feb75a988d86

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/45b33e805bd39f615d9353a7194b2da5281332df

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5e4c90c94eb766d70e30694b7fe66862aabaf24b

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b02fa17d1744d19cd3820bdbf6ec5d85547977bf

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.