Menu

Star on GitHub · 3.4k

CVE-2026-98558

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: flush skb_defer_nodes in dev_cpu_dead() When a CPU goes offline, dev_cpu_dead() drains its softnet queues (completion_queu…

Published Oct 18, 2026EPSS 0.19%

Overview

CVE-2026-98558 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on October 18, 2026.

Technical description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

net: flush skb_defer_nodes in dev_cpu_dead()

When a CPU goes offline, dev_cpu_dead() drains its softnet queues

(completion_queue, output_queue, poll_list, process_queue, and

input_pkt_queue), but leaves net_hotdata.skb_defer_nodes untouched.

If oldcpu goes offline while holding pending skbs in its

skb_defer_nodes lists (e.g. below the sysctl_skb_defer_max >> 1 IPI

threshold, or if the IPI races with CPU teardown), those skbs remain

stranded until oldcpu is brought back online. If any of these skbs

hold page_pool fragments, page_pool_destroy() will stall indefinitely

waiting for inflight pages to be returned when a netdev or driver is

torn down while oldcpu is offline.

Additionally, if smp_call_function_single_async() fails in

kick_defer_list_purge() because the target CPU went offline, reset

defer_ipi_scheduled to 0 so future IPI kicks are not blocked when the

CPU comes back online.

Also, if oldcpu was the last on

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-98558?

CVE-2026-98558 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on October 18, 2026.

How severe is CVE-2026-98558?

CVSS score information is not yet available for this vulnerability. Check back as the CVE record is updated by NVD analysts.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2026-98558?

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2026-98558?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2026-98558 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.

LiveWatch live →