CVE-2026-46117 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux system administrators, security teams, and developers working with RDMA/mana configurations should assess exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. They should verify system versions against known vulnerable versions and apply patches from Linux kernel and Red Hat errata.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-46117 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's RDMA/mana component that can be triggered by a user to potentially corrupt the kernel. Linux system administrators and security teams should assess exposure, prioritize verification of affected systems, and apply patches from Linux kernel and Red Hat errata.

• Potential kernel corruption from user-triggerable WARN_ON()
• Need for immediate remediation of affected Linux systems
• Verification priority for RDMA/mana configurations within known vulnerable versions
• Monitoring system logs for WARN_ON() triggers

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's RDMA/mana component is vulnerable to a user-triggerable WARN_ON() that can corrupt the kernel. This is due to the user's ability to specify WQs sharing the same CQ via uAPI, triggering WARN_ON() and potential corruption. The fix rejects QP creation in such configurations. Linux system administrators and security teams should assess exposure and prioritize verification of affected systems, especially those with RDMA/mana configurations. Immediate remediation is advised for systems within the known vulnerable versions.

Defensive priority

Linux system administrators and security teams should assess exposure and prioritize verification of affected systems, especially those with RDMA/mana configurations. Immediate remediation is advised for systems within the known vulnerable versions.

Recommended defensive actions

• Assess exposure of Linux systems with RDMA/mana configurations
• Verify system versions against known vulnerable versions
• Apply patches from Linux kernel and Red Hat errata
• Monitor system logs for WARN_ON() triggers
• 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 and NVD details provide information on the vulnerability, its CVSS score, and affected configurations. Multiple patches are referenced, including those from the Linux kernel and Red Hat errata.

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.