CVE-2026-98810 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, users of Linux-based systems with wifi functionality, security teams, and vulnerability management teams responsible for assessing and mitigating the impact of this vulnerability on their systems and infrastructure.

Why it matters

This vulnerability requires attention from Linux kernel developers, maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems with wifi functionality. The issue can lead to potential denial of service (DoS) and information disclosure if exploited. Affected versions need to be identified, and patches applied to prevent exploitation.

• Potential denial of service (DoS) due to slab-out-of-bounds read
• Possible information disclosure due to out-of-bounds data access
• Requires validation of linear data length to prevent exploitation

Technical summary

The ieee80211_monitor_select_queue() function in the Linux kernel's wifi mac80211 subsystem does not properly validate the linear data length of incoming packets, leading to a slab-out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This issue arises when a packet becomes non-linear, causing the 802.11 header to extend past the linear head buffer. To fix this, the validation should check skb_headlen(skb) instead of skb->len before dereferencing skb->data pointers. This ensures the required bytes are actually present in the linear portion of the skb. The same fix should be applied to ieee80211_validate_radiotap_len() to prevent similar issues.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply patches from Linux vendors for affected versions
• Validate linear data length in ieee80211_monitor_select_queue() and ieee80211_validate_radiotap_len()
• Monitor Linux kernel updates for additional information
• Perform vulnerability assessment to identify affected systems
• Apply compensating controls for exposed systems
• Track exceptions and retest remediated assets
• Review security advisories for additional guidance

Evidence notes

The CVE record and source item provide details about the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, the corpus does not establish specific exploitation or impact details, requiring verification from official sources.

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.