CVE-2026-98688: Linux kernel · thunderbolt: Fix NULL dereference in tb_remove_work()
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · fixed in 4310c6b8e75d6a47f7548e5948fbe6318aa4440a : update Linux kernel when convenient.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 12:55 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 4% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 4310c6b8e75d6a47f7548e5948fbe6318aa4440a, 5.16, 5.11 +1
Exploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 18 Oct 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 4310c6b8e75d6a47f7548e5948fbe6318aa4440a, 5.16, 5.11 or 2f4cd43faa9d6470b30a9fbcbac6584db8108c1f.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
A fix is available and has been applied in Linux kernel versions 5.11, 5.16, and commit 4310c6b8e75d6a47f7548e5948fbe6318aa4440a. Users and administrators should upgrade to these or later kernel versions to remediate the issue. No additional mitigation steps are required beyond applying the official patch.
Description
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability was identified and fixed in the Linux kernel's Thunderbolt subsystem. The flaw arises from a race condition between tb_remove_work() and tb_domain_remove() functions, leading to a NULL dereference of the tb->root_switch pointer inside tb_free_unplugged_xdomains(). This can cause kernel instability or crashes. The issue was resolved by ensuring proper locking and pointer checks during the removal of XDomains from the Thunderbolt topology.