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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-98936 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath11k component can cause issues with station association after multiple hardware restarts. This problem arises because the 'ar->num_stations' variable is not properly reset during the hardware start process. Attackers may be able to exploit this issue to disrupt network operations, although the specific impact is limited by the need for local access to the affected system.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-10-23
Original CVE updated
2026-10-30
Advisory published
2026-10-23
Advisory updated
2026-10-30

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, administrators of systems using the affected kernel versions, security teams responsible for monitoring and patching Linux systems, and operators managing Linux-based infrastructure. These individuals should be aware of this issue and apply the available patches to prevent potential disruptions.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath11k component can cause station association issues after multiple hardware restarts. While the specific impact is limited, it is essential for Linux kernel maintainers, system administrators, and security teams to be aware of this issue and apply the available patches to prevent potential disruptions.

  • Disruption of network operations due to station association issues.
  • Potential for local attackers to exploit the vulnerability.
  • Need for careful monitoring of system logs for related warnings.
  • Verification of patch application and system stability.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's ath11k component does not properly reset the 'ar->num_stations' variable during hardware start, leading to potential station association issues after multiple hardware restarts. This issue can cause problems with station association, potentially disrupting network operations. The ath11k component is used in certain Linux kernel versions, and administrators of systems using these versions should be aware of this issue and apply the available patches to prevent potential disruptions. The specific impact is limited by the need for local access to the affected system.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply the available patches from the Linux kernel maintainers.
  • Ensure that the Linux kernel is updated to a version that includes the fix.
  • Monitor system logs for warnings related to station association issues.
  • Verify patch application and system stability.
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets.
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and associated source item provide details about the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, the record does not provide explicit information about exploitation or specific attacks.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-98936 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-98936

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-98936 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98936

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • wifi: ath11k: reset ar->num_stations on hardware start

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/98xxx/CVE-2026-98936.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/302b622d5f3c9ef5efa36e41e69d278599265cfc

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5f814ca9a68fd12a51fe82c36a4a876f5b8329f1

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a78f2d082f72e3c140c4542cade7f7f56f3cc62d

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/60142eb2afda34508e640a3ff2a54c90e51525cc

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c3ac51701e925e8d50479ae2fddca51a09f636e8

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9a9467f7cc633b31e4c34a2c56aa095e0c3fa853

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c27779d3679c695674747744390f97a5424a0dc8

    Supplemental source

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.