CVE-2026-74464 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux kernel versions affected by this vulnerability. They should review and apply the fix for the skb leak issue in the Linux kernel, monitor Linux kernel updates for related patches, and perform inventory checks for affected Linux kernel versions. The vulnerability has a medium priority for Linux kernel maintainers and users, as the scenario is unlikely but should be fixed nevertheless. The issue requires a packet to become unparseable by applying a set of actions on a previously parseable skb, but should be fixed nevertheless. This fix is related to net: openvswitch in the Linux kernel, and involves a skb leak on flow key update failure during ct. The problem arises from ovs_ct_execute() stealing or freeing the skb on failure, while ovs_flow_key_update() does not. This results in a leaked skb if ovs_flow_key_update() fails and the function returns immediately. The fix involves breaking instead of returning and letting the common error handling code at the bottom of the loop free the skb properly. This is a very unlikely scenario as it requires the packet to become unparseable by applying a set of actions on a previously parseable skb, but should be fixed nevertheless. Reported by Sashiko. This issue was resolved in the Linux kernel, related to net: openvswitch. The issue involves a skb leak on flow key update failure during ct. The problem arises from ovs_ct_execute() stealing or freeing the skb on failure, while ovs_flow_key_update() does not. This results in a leaked skb if ovs_flow_key_update() fails and the function returns immediately. The fix involves breaking instead of returning and letting the common error handling code at the bottom of the loop free the skb properly. This scenario is highly unlikely as it requires a packet to become unparseable after applying a set of actions on a previously parseable skb, but should be fixed nevertheless. Reported by Sashiko. The fix involves modifying the error handling to properly free the skb. Linux kernel maintainers and users should verify affected scope and apply the fix. The vulnerability has a medium priority for Linux kernel maintainers and

Technical summary

The vulnerability is related to the net: openvswitch component in the Linux kernel. A skb leak occurs on flow key update failure during ct. The issue arises from the difference in handling skb between ovs_ct_execute() and ovs_flow_key_update(). The fix involves modifying the error handling to properly free the skb. This scenario is highly unlikely as it requires a packet to become unparseable after applying a set of actions on a previously parseable skb.

Defensive priority

Medium priority for Linux kernel maintainers and users, as the scenario is unlikely but should be fixed nevertheless.

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the fix for the skb leak issue in the Linux kernel
• Monitor Linux kernel updates for related patches
• Perform inventory checks for affected Linux kernel versions
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.
• Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.
• Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed.
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.

Evidence notes

Evidence from the Linux kernel source and NVD detail. The CVE record and NVD entry provide information on the vulnerability and its resolution. The issue arises from the difference in handling skb between ovs_ct_execute() and ovs_flow_key_update(). A skb leak occurs on flow key update failure during ct. The fix involves modifying the error handling to properly free the skb. Linux kernel maintainers and users should verify affected scope and apply the fix.

Official resources