CVE-2026-98707 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems should assess exposure and verify system configurations. The vulnerability can lead to denial of service or elevation of privileges, making it essential for Linux kernel developers, maintainers, and users to review Linux kernel patch notes and CVE records for implementation details, assess exposure based on system configurations and Linux kernel versions,

Why it matters

The Linux kernel's mac80211 subsystem has a use-after-free vulnerability that may allow for denial of service or elevation of privileges. Linux kernel developers, maintainers, and users should assess exposure and verify system configurations.

• Potential denial of service (DoS) due to use-after-free vulnerability
• Possible elevation of privileges or arbitrary code execution
• Verification of system configurations and Linux kernel versions required

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's mac80211 subsystem has a use-after-free vulnerability. When tearing down an RX BA session, the session timer may be left queued on a freed tid_rx. This can cause a timer callback to run against freed memory, potentially leading to denial of service or elevation of privileges. The vulnerability is caused by a race condition between the RX BAR handler and the teardown process, allowing the timer to be rearmed after it has been deleted. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is essential to review Linux kernel patch notes and CVE records for implementation details, assess exposure based on system configurations and Linux kernel versions, and verify system configurations and Linux kernel versions

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Review Linux kernel patch notes and CVE record for implementation details
• Assess exposure based on system configurations and Linux kernel versions
• Verify system configurations and Linux kernel versions against known vulnerable versions
• 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.
• Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide limited information about the vulnerability. The Linux kernel patch notes indicate a use-after-free vulnerability in the mac80211 subsystem. The vulnerability is caused by a race condition between the RX BAR handler and the teardown process, allowing the timer to be rearmed after it has been deleted. To verify the vulnerability, defenders should review the Linux kernel patch notes and CVE records, assess exposure based on system configurations and Linux kernel versions, and verify system

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.