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VulnerabilityPublished Updated

CVE-2026-98944: Linux kernel · HID: steam: Refactor registration

Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5

0

Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High · fixed in cf71a6ee1d4e36b8e65b81c064e2797a10247280 : patch Linux kernel soon.

Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 14:18 UTC

CVSS 3.1 base score
7.8High
How severe the flaw is on the 0–10 CVSS scale.
EPSS
0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 6% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
Patch
Available – fixed in cf71a6ee1d4e36b8e65b81c064e2797a10247280, c06cf54fe99b8c6bcf2017bb076c0e3918608cea, 6f9b740c31ba7e061b2ebb330d9a3d63f1358f29 +3
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Exploitation evidence

  1. Disclosed: evidence found.

    CVE published 23 Oct 2026

  2. Detectable: no evidence on record.

    No public nuclei template indexed

  3. Weaponised: no evidence on record.

    No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB

  4. Exploited in the wild: no evidence on record.

    Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation

  5. Observed by OffSeq 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

ProductAffectedFixed in
LinuxLinuxAffected
  • >=4.19.6 <4.20
Fixed in
  • cf71a6ee1d4e36b8e65b81c064e2797a10247280
  • c06cf54fe99b8c6bcf2017bb076c0e3918608cea
  • 6f9b740c31ba7e061b2ebb330d9a3d63f1358f29
  • 4.20
  • 3c2f97343d4df2a75747f4c79effa0587509888f
  • 2b15e10aff95c78dbacc4fa32fa90c9098213e03
LinuxLinuxAffected
  • =4.20
Fixed in–

AI-suggested

A fix is available and has been applied in Linux kernel versions after 4.20 and in specific commits referenced by their hashes. Users and administrators should update affected Linux kernel versions to these fixed releases to remediate the vulnerability.

Description

CVE-2026-98944 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's HID steam driver. The issue involved improper handling of registration and unregistration flows, leading to potential lingering power_supply objects after the steam device is torn down. The vulnerability has been fixed by refactoring the registration logic and correcting the unregistration process. Affected Linux kernel versions include 4.19.6 through 4.20 inclusive.

References

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