CVE Catalog

CVE-2026-63997

Low risk· EPSS 6%
Published: Updated: Translated: NVD NIST

Exploitation Probability (EPSS)

Low risk
0.17%

6th percentile - higher than 6% of all known CVEs

Summary

In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability was found in the module_flash_fw_schedule() function of ethtool, which fails to undo the 'in_progress' flag and release the netdev reference on module flash errors. Delaying these acquisitions prevents the device from disappearing while holding rtnl_lock.

Risk Assessment

The risk involves a netdev reference leak, potentially leading to kernel resource exhaustion and denial of service (DoS) for other network operations.

Recommendation

It is recommended to immediately update the Linux kernel to a version containing the fix that delays setting the flag and acquiring the netdev reference until after error checking.

Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel

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Original NVD description (English source)

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ethtool: module: avoid leaking a netdev ref on module flash errors module_flash_fw_schedule() is missing undo for setting the "in_progress" flag and taking the netdev reference. Delay taking these, the device can't disappear while we are holding rtnl_lock.

Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS