CVE-2026-98746 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, system administrators, and users who rely on the serial: ma35d1 driver should verify and apply patches to prevent clock reference leaks. Additionally, security teams and vulnerability management teams should review system configurations and deployment contexts for potential exposure and monitor system logs for signs of clock reference leaks.

Why it matters

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's serial: ma35d1 driver causes a clock reference leak, which can lead to system instability and potential security issues if left unaddressed.

• Verify Linux kernel version and patch level to ensure clock reference leaks are addressed
• Monitor system logs for signs of clock reference leaks
• Review system configurations and deployment contexts for potential exposure

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's serial: ma35d1 driver has a vulnerability that causes a clock reference leak due to the of_clk_get() function not being released with clk_put(). This issue can lead to system instability and potential security risks if not addressed promptly. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions that include the serial: ma35d1 driver and can be mitigated by applying patches provided by the Linux kernel community. It is essential to verify Linux kernel versions and apply patches to prevent clock reference leaks.

Defensive priority

Verify and apply patches for the Linux kernel's serial: ma35d1 driver to prevent clock reference leaks.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify Linux kernel version and check if the patch is applied
• Review system configurations and deployment contexts for potential exposure
• Monitor system logs for signs of clock reference leaks
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
• Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance
• Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source references indicate a clock reference leak in the Linux kernel's serial: ma35d1 driver. Details about affected versions, exploitation, and remediation are limited. However, it is essential to verify Linux kernel versions, review system configurations, and monitor system logs for signs of clock reference leaks. The CVE Program record and NIST NVD detail page provide additional information on this vulnerability.

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.