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CVE-2026-64548 Linux CVE debrief

The Linux kernel has a vulnerability in the bpf_msg_push_data() function, which can lead to an out-of-bounds memcpy due to an undersized allocation. This occurs when the scatterlist ring is full or nearly full, and a crafted len can wrap the sum to a small value. The vulnerability has been resolved by adding an overflow check before the allocation. System administrators and users of Linux-based systems, particularly those using BPF programs, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. They should review their Linux kernel deployments, update to patched versions, and monitor systems for potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review compensating controls for exposed systems and perform asset inventory to identify potentially affected systems. The fix involves adding an overflow check before the allocation to prevent such attacks. An attacker can potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 8.4
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-27
Original CVE updated
2026-08-17
Advisory published
2026-07-27
Advisory updated
2026-08-17

Who should care

System administrators and users of Linux-based systems, particularly those using BPF programs, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to mitigate it. They should review their Linux kernel deployments, update to patched versions, and monitor systems for potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review compensating controls for exposed systems and perform asset inventory to identify potentially affected systems.

Technical summary

The bpf_msg_push_data() function in the Linux kernel does not properly check for overflow when calculating the allocation size for a new message. This can lead to an undersized allocation and subsequent out-of-bounds memcpy. An attacker can potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. The fix involves adding an overflow check before the allocation to prevent such attacks.

Defensive priority

High priority due to potential for remote code execution

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply patches from the Linux kernel repository
  • Review and update BPF programs to prevent similar vulnerabilities
  • Monitor systems for potential exploitation attempts
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems
  • Perform asset inventory to identify potentially affected systems
  • Implement rollback/change windows for remediation
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets

Evidence notes

The evidence for this CVE is based on official CVE and NVD records, as well as source references from the Linux kernel repository. The vulnerability has been resolved in the Linux kernel, and the fix involves adding an overflow check before the allocation in the bpf_msg_push_data() function. Defenders should verify that their Linux kernel deployments are updated with the patched version and review BPF programs for potential similar vulnerabilities. They should also monitor systems for potential exploitation attempts and review compensating controls for exposed systems.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64548 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64548

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

  • CVE-2026-64548 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64548

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

Supplemental references

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0c0a8ed85349dae298712d79cb276acfeb794d82

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4e40056bb5c829f0423f0a6694a0477726d2147e

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/888706a76286c547bd035432602571e8024b5305

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a12b1575f9feabd91695a9e9d004862f7195fa25

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bd004716ba75fed6d185795c85cdc92540ebeaab

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/db77b6bb6e6edb79b10b4efcce346eec5582d588

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f1644c9508d24f50dd9e8ebe8d3ba86e0996d2f5

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

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.