CVE-2026-80612: Linux kernel · net: lwtunnel: Drop skb metadata before LWT encapsulation
Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 9.8 Critical · fixed in 7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1 : patch Linux kernel as a priority.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 14:05 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.5% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 45% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1, 7.0.0-1017.17~24.04.1, 7.0.0-1016.16~24.04.1 +11
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 28 Aug 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinuxpkg:deb/ubuntu/linux?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-awspkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-azurepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-azure-fdepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-fde?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-gcppkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gcp?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu 26.04 LTSlinux-gkepkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-gke?arch=source&distro=resoluteOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A patch is available and should be applied to affected Linux kernel versions to ensure skb metadata is dropped before LWT encapsulation. This fix addresses all encapsulation types and redirect modes by clearing metadata at the LWT dispatch helpers. Users should update to the fixed kernel versions as provided by their vendor. No additional mitigation is required beyond applying the official fix.
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's lightweight tunnel (lwtunnel) subsystem was resolved, involving improper handling of skb metadata during LWT encapsulation. The metadata, intended for passing information between XDP and TC, resides in skb headroom but can be overwritten or cleared incorrectly during encapsulation, potentially leading to system instability or security issues. The fix involves dropping skb metadata before handing packets to encapsulation operations, covering all encapsulation types and redirect modes.
References
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-80612 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/19eec11f3ab5dd29ba58f5f209c24e946c95ef12 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/c00320b0e355c4bf0ae4743a53b4180fea237546 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-80612 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-80612 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/linus/c00320b0e355c4bf0ae4743a53b4180fea237546 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8888-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8889-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8887-1 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8888-2 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8887-2 (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8887-3 (opens in a new tab)