CVE-2026-74368 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, as well as users and administrators of systems running the affected Linux kernel versions, should review and apply patches to fix the vulnerability. They should also monitor system logs for potential memory leak issues and review compensating controls for exposed systems.

Why it matters

A memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k_wifi7_dp_rx_h_verify_tkip_mic() function can cause system resource exhaustion, potentially leading to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or system crashes. Linux kernel developers, maintainers, and users of affected systems should review and apply patches to fix the vulnerability.

• Memory leak can cause system resource exhaustion.
• Potential denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
• Increased risk of system crashes or instability.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a memory leak in the ath12k_wifi7_dp_rx_h_verify_tkip_mic() function in the Linux kernel. When the NWIFI header length is invalid, the function aborts early and does not free the corresponding MSDU, leading to a memory leak. This can cause system resource exhaustion, potentially leading to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or system crashes. The affected systems and versions are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. Further verification is required to determine the affected scope.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to fix the memory leak vulnerability.
• Update to the latest Linux kernel version that includes the fix.
• Monitor system logs for potential memory leak issues.
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.
• 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 source item provide details about the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, the CVSS score and severity are not provided. The vulnerability is caused by a memory leak in the ath12k_wifi7_dp_rx_h_verify_tkip_mic() function in the Linux kernel. When the NWIFI header length is invalid, the function aborts early and does not free the corresponding MSDU, leading to a memory leak. The affected systems and versions are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. Further verification

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.