CVE-2026-98693: Linux kernel · thunderbolt: Hold a router reference for each allocated HopID
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · fixed in c444d2c17dc236680324fd989232199680a6c419 : 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 9% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in c444d2c17dc236680324fd989232199680a6c419, 032c59c7681c661b63123231824170c025afb7e7, 2b5f976119d8f099a03cbf700df3d9c8690fe33d
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 c444d2c17dc236680324fd989232199680a6c419, 032c59c7681c661b63123231824170c025afb7e7 or 2b5f976119d8f099a03cbf700df3d9c8690fe33d.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Debiandebian/linuxpkg:deb/debian/linuxOther 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
This issue has been fixed in the Linux kernel. The fix is included in the commits identified by hashes c444d2c17dc236680324fd989232199680a6c419, 032c59c7681c661b63123231824170c025afb7e7, and 2b5f976119d8f099a03cbf700df3d9c8690fe33d. Users and administrators should update to a Linux kernel version containing these fixes, such as version 6.14. No additional mitigation steps are necessary once the fix is applied.
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Thunderbolt driver was fixed by ensuring that a router reference is held for each allocated HopID. Previously, tb_stop() dropped references to DP tunnels without deactivating them, allowing tunnels to outlive their expected lifecycle and causing operations on freed IDAs, which triggered warnings. This issue could be triggered by unbinding the driver while a DP tunnel was still awaiting a capabilities read, notably causing problems on Apple NHI devices when unplugging cables. The fix involves holding and releasing router references properly to keep ports and HopID IDAs alive as long as they are in use.