CVE-2026-97946: Linux kernel · x86/amd_node: Fix PCI device reference counting in amd_smn_init()
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · fixed in aa2a4277ad42fd8f918c6dc652473946a253f7b0 : update Linux kernel when convenient.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 13:23 UTC
Rated Medium by Threat Radar's AI analysis · CVSS not yet scored by NVD
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 9% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in aa2a4277ad42fd8f918c6dc652473946a253f7b0, 27600805e62f800bacf990354632eae4e487d34c, 84e3a71d11d8593c127b468d75b2653af5074f81 +1
Exploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 25 Sep 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 Linux kernel to aa2a4277ad42fd8f918c6dc652473946a253f7b0, 27600805e62f800bacf990354632eae4e487d34c, 84e3a71d11d8593c127b468d75b2653af5074f81 or 6.18.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
A fix is available in Linux kernel version 6.18 and later, as well as specific commits identified by their hashes. Users and administrators should upgrade to Linux kernel 6.18 or apply the relevant patches to ensure proper reference counting in amd_smn_init().
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's x86/amd_node component related to PCI device reference counting in the amd_smn_init() function has been fixed. The issue involved improper management of reference counts for PCI device pointers during device search iterations, which could lead to resource mismanagement. The fix ensures proper incrementing and decrementing of reference counts using cleanup macros and removes redundant code to maintain correct reference counting behavior.