CVE-2026-98465 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and administrators using RISC-V KVM should verify and apply patches to prevent potential unauthorized access. This vulnerability may impact operators of RISC-V KVM systems, as it could allow unauthorized access to interrupt files. Security teams and vulnerability management teams should review system configurations and monitor system logs for suspicious activity. Platform administrators should also review compensating controls for

Why it matters

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's RISC-V KVM has been addressed, where IMSIC attributes were not properly serialized with vCPU migration, potentially allowing unauthorized access to interrupt files. Linux kernel developers and administrators should verify and apply patches to prevent potential unauthorized access.

• Verify Linux kernel version and apply patches
• Review system configurations for potential exposure
• Monitor system logs for suspicious activity

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's RISC-V KVM did not properly serialize IMSIC attributes with vCPU migration, potentially allowing unauthorized access to interrupt files. A patch has been applied to address this issue by serializing IMSIC attribute operations with the target vCPU mutex. This prevents the VS-file from being migrated and recycled until the attribute access completes. Linux kernel developers and administrators using RISC-V KVM should verify and apply patches to prevent potential unauthorized access. The vulnerability has been addressed, but users should review system configurations and monitor system logs for suspicious activity.

Defensive priority

Verify and apply patches for Linux kernel's RISC-V KVM to prevent potential unauthorized access.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify Linux kernel version and apply patches for RISC-V KVM
• Review system configurations for potential exposure
• Monitor system logs for suspicious activity
• 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
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• 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, but evidence of exploitation is limited. There is no information on publicly available exploits or reports of exploitation. The patch has been applied to address this issue, and users should verify and apply patches to prevent potential unauthorized access. Limited evidence suggests that the vulnerability may be exploited in the future, and defenders should verify Linux kernel versions and apply patches for RISC-V KVM.

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.