CVE-2026-97473 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems should assess exposure and prioritize patching to prevent potential denial-of-service (DoS) or information disclosure incidents.

Why it matters

A memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's powercap subsystem requires patching to prevent potential denial-of-service (DoS) or information disclosure incidents. Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and prioritize patching.

• Denial-of-service (DoS) incidents may occur if an attacker can trigger the memory leak
• Information disclosure incidents may occur if an attacker can exploit the memory leak to access sensitive data
• Verification of patch deployment is necessary to ensure the vulnerability is not exploitable
• Remediation priority is high for Linux kernel deployments

Technical summary

The rapl_add_package_cpuslocked() function in the Linux kernel's powercap subsystem does not free the allocated rapl_package structure when topology_physical_package_id() or topology_logical_die_id() returns a negative value, causing a memory leak. This issue can lead to potential denial-of-service (DoS) or information disclosure incidents if an attacker can trigger the memory leak. Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and prioritize patching to prevent potential incidents. The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including a description of the issue and affected components.

Defensive priority

Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and prioritize patching to prevent potential denial-of-service (DoS) or information disclosure.

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the patch to the Linux kernel's powercap subsystem
• Assess exposure and prioritize patching for Linux kernel deployments
• Monitor for potential denial-of-service (DoS) or information disclosure incidents
• Verify patch deployment to ensure the vulnerability is not exploitable
• 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
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including a description of the issue and affected components. The vulnerability is a memory leak in the Linux kernel's powercap subsystem, specifically in the rapl_add_package_cpuslocked() function. The issue occurs when topology_physical_package_id() or topology_logical_die_id() returns a negative value, causing the function to return ERR_PTR(-EINVAL) without freeing the allocated rapl_package structure. Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and

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.