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CVE-2026-90233 Linux CVE debrief

A Linux kernel vulnerability in nvme-pci allows descriptor pools to remain allocated after a probe failure, potentially leading to resource leaks. The issue arises as descriptor pools are created lazily from nvme_init_hctx_common() once the admin tag set is allocated but are only destroyed in nvme_remove() via nvme_release_descriptor_pools(). On probe failure after the admin tag set has been allocated, the current implementation unwinds through the out_disable label and nvme_pci_free_ctrl(), neither of which releases the pools, resulting in leaked dma_pool objects. This was resolved by releasing descriptor pools in the out_disable error path.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-09-17
Original CVE updated
2026-10-19
Advisory published
2026-09-17
Advisory updated
2026-10-19

Who should care

Linux system administrators and developers should assess exposure and apply updates to prevent potential resource leaks due to unreleased descriptor pools in nvme-pci. This includes verifying patch application, assessing system exposure to vulnerable versions, and monitoring for potential descriptor pool leaks.

Why it matters

Linux system administrators and developers should assess exposure and apply updates to prevent potential resource leaks due to unreleased descriptor pools in nvme-pci.

  • Verify patch application to prevent resource leaks
  • Assess system exposure to vulnerable versions
  • Monitor for potential descriptor pool leaks

Technical summary

The Linux kernel vulnerability CVE-2026-90233 occurs in nvme-pci, where descriptor pools are created lazily but not released on probe failure, leading to potential resource leaks. The issue is resolved by releasing descriptor pools in the out_disable error path. This ensures that resources are properly cleaned up, preventing leaks and maintaining system stability. Linux system administrators and developers should assess exposure and apply updates to prevent potential resource leaks due to unreleased descriptor pools.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply the patch to ensure descriptor pools are released on probe failure
  • Verify system exposure and apply updates as necessary
  • Monitor for potential resource leaks due to unreleased descriptor pools
  • 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 on the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, CVSS scores and specific exploitation details are not provided. The vulnerability was resolved by releasing descriptor pools in the out_disable error path. Linux system administrators and developers should assess exposure and apply updates to prevent potential resource leaks due to unreleased descriptor pools.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-90233 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-90233

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

  • CVE-2026-90233 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-90233

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

Supplemental references

  • nvme-pci: release descriptor pools on probe failure

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/90xxx/CVE-2026-90233.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c25b6b28a35f9e36ce5dd6da5905bcddb2128707

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/79fb405966edb5065234440d94cc75bfd7b01f41

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cb144c2f67128abfa5c7ba33318617d19f192156

    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.