CVE-2026-98407 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders responsible for Linux kernel security, particularly those managing wifi rsi functionality, should assess exposure and prioritize patching affected versions. This includes operators managing Linux-based systems with wifi rsi functionality, vulnerability management teams, and security teams responsible for monitoring and mitigating potential heap corruption events.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-98407 is a heap out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the Linux kernel's wifi rsi driver. Defenders should prioritize patching affected versions and monitor for unusual heap corruption events. The vulnerability is triggered during normal operations like disconnects and roams, increasing the attack surface.

• Heap corruption leading to potential system instability
• Possible elevation of privileges or arbitrary code execution
• Increased risk of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
• Potential for sensitive data exposure or manipulation

Technical summary

The vulnerability occurs in the rsi_hal_load_key() function when a key is removed (data == NULL). The function performs a memset operation on the set_key structure, which is a struct rsi_set_key *. The memset writes 144 zero bytes starting 2.4KB past the end of the 160-byte skb data buffer, corrupting unrelated heap objects. The intended byte offset would have been (u8 *)set_key + FRAME_DESC_SZ. This issue arises from a redundant memset operation in the rsi_hal_load_key() function, which is triggered on every DISABLE_KEY callback, including during normal disconnects, roams, and interface teardowns. The vulnerability was discovered by Atuin - Automated Vulnerability Discovery Engine.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize patching affected Linux kernel versions, particularly those related to wifi rsi functionality, and monitor for unusual heap corruption events.

Recommended defensive actions

• Patch affected Linux kernel versions related to wifi rsi functionality
• Monitor for unusual heap corruption events
• Review and update wifi rsi driver code for similar vulnerabilities
• 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
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was discovered by Atuin - Automated Vulnerability Discovery Engine. The issue arises from a redundant memset operation in the rsi_hal_load_key() function, which is triggered on every DISABLE_KEY callback, including during normal disconnects, roams, and interface teardowns.

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.