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CVE-2026-74707 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's xsk (AF_XDP socket) subsystem has been addressed. The issue arises from a lack of metadata validation when processing requests in the zero-copy path. This could allow user space to change metadata between validation and hardware request preparation, potentially bypassing the original validation. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel developers, administrators, and users who rely on AF_XDP sockets for high-performance packet processing. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is essential to assess exposure and apply patches or mitigations as necessary. The CVE record and associated source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its A

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-08-22
Original CVE updated
2026-10-16
Advisory published
2026-08-22
Advisory updated
2026-10-16

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, administrators, and users who rely on AF_XDP sockets for high-performance packet processing should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and apply patches or mitigations as necessary.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's xsk subsystem requires attention from developers and administrators to ensure proper metadata validation and prevent potential bypass of original validation.

  • Potential for metadata manipulation leading to bypass of original validation.
  • Increased risk for systems relying on AF_XDP sockets.
  • Need for Linux kernel updates to ensure proper metadata validation.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's xsk subsystem did not properly validate metadata when processing requests in the zero-copy path. This could allow user space to change metadata between validation and hardware request preparation, potentially bypassing the original validation. The issue has been resolved by validating metadata in xsk_tx_metadata_request() and using the resulting flags snapshot for feature checks.

Defensive priority

High priority for Linux kernel developers and administrators to assess exposure and apply patches.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply patches from Linux kernel maintainers.
  • Assess exposure by checking Linux kernel versions and configurations.
  • Monitor for potential metadata manipulation attempts.
  • Perform a thorough review of AF_XDP socket configurations.
  • Implement compensating controls for exposed systems.
  • Track exceptions and retest remediated assets.
  • Review relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and associated source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its description, affected versions, and references to patches. However, specific exploitation details or victim information are not provided.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-74707 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-74707

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

  • CVE-2026-74707 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-74707

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

Supplemental references

  • xsk: validate metadata when processing requests

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/74xxx/CVE-2026-74707.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5fd121971912dee2f5af1efec64462ac722deb17

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0cc7aa6e0d19027fdd42e6fbd156267ac1e3bbba

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/849b1664dbda1cf6c63e0fd4f9dec23782b8c851

    Supplemental source

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.