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CVE-2026-74708 Linux CVE debrief

The Linux kernel has a vulnerability in the xsk (AF_XDP socket) subsystem related to the validation of launch-time metadata size. The kernel does not properly validate the size of launch-time metadata, which can lead to inconsistent decisions if user space changes the flags concurrently. This vulnerability has been resolved by validating the launch-time metadata size and snapshotting the validated flags for the generic transmit path. Affected product deployments should be verified, and patches applied to address this vulnerability.

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

Defenders responsible for Linux kernel security should assess exposure and prioritize verification and patching. This vulnerability requires verification from the supplied official sources.

Why it matters

The Linux kernel has a vulnerability in the xsk (AF_XDP socket) subsystem related to the validation of launch-time metadata size. Defenders should prioritize verifying the Linux kernel version and applying patches to address this vulnerability.

  • Verification of Linux kernel version and patching is required to address this vulnerability
  • Inconsistent decisions can occur if user space changes the flags concurrently
  • The vulnerability can lead to potential security issues if not properly addressed

Technical summary

The Linux kernel has a vulnerability in the xsk (AF_XDP socket) subsystem. The vulnerability is related to the validation of launch-time metadata size. The kernel does not properly validate the size of launch-time metadata, which can lead to inconsistent decisions if user space changes the flags concurrently. This vulnerability has been resolved by validating the launch-time metadata size and snapshotting the validated flags for the generic transmit path.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying the Linux kernel version and applying patches to address this vulnerability. This vulnerability requires verification from the supplied official sources.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Verify the Linux kernel version and apply patches to address this vulnerability
  • Review the Linux kernel configuration and ensure that the AF_XDP socket subsystem is properly configured
  • Monitor the Linux kernel for any changes or updates related to this vulnerability
  • 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 information about the vulnerability, but the evidence is limited. The NVD entry is currently unassigned. Defenders should verify the Linux kernel version and apply patches to address this vulnerability. The official CVE Program record and NVD detail page provide additional information about the vulnerability.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-74708 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-74708

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

  • CVE-2026-74708 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-74708

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

Supplemental references

  • xsk: validate launch-time metadata size

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/74xxx/CVE-2026-74708.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/af511afa1d2977f384044df78d6fbf9fba653f7a

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bc63d47611c07b0d5d655fe1a590861931527920

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/439ce2dddf3d22129b9113a7881637256a35e936

    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.