CVE-2026-31658 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of affected Linux kernel versions should be aware of this vulnerability and apply the provided patches. This vulnerability could potentially lead to memory exhaustion through repeated exploitation attempts, making it a medium priority issue.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a failure to free the skb (socket buffer) when dma_map_single() fails in the tse_start_xmit() function of the altera-tse driver. This results in a memory leak every time a DMA mapping error occurs. The issue has been resolved by adding a call to dev_kfree_skb_any() before returning from the function in case of a DMA mapping error. Affected Linux kernel versions should be updated with the provided patches to prevent potential memory leaks.

Defensive priority

Medium priority due to the potential for memory exhaustion through repeated exploitation attempts.

Recommended defensive actions

• Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers
• Inventory and update affected Linux kernel versions
• Monitor for potential exploitation attempts
• Consider implementing additional memory safety controls
• 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 2026-04-24T15:16:45.337Z and last modified on 2026-07-14T13:18:46.950Z. Multiple patches are available for various Linux kernel versions. Linux kernel maintainers and distribution vendors should verify affected versions and apply patches. Users of affected Linux kernel versions should also be aware of this vulnerability and apply patches. Evidence limits suggest that further verification is needed to confirm affected scope and severity.

Sources and references

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.