CVE-2026-99078: Linux kernel · net/mlx5e: Prevent stale XSK buffer release on MPWQE refill retry
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 9.8 Critical · fixed in f3a52e2ec2788a7f6b64137985c087188a54ad4f : patch Linux kernel as a priority.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 13:07 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 39% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in f3a52e2ec2788a7f6b64137985c087188a54ad4f, d215d09606b0fcd18ad1eb532995782a21cea49d, 867119b4b588037724b85839d534465f0334d9bd +2
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 23 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 to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
A fix is available and included in specific Linux kernel commits identified by hashes (f3a52e2ec2788a7f6b64137985c087188a54ad4f, d215d09606b0fcd18ad1eb532995782a21cea49d, 867119b4b588037724b85839d534465f0334d9bd, 63811edf512584c946e5e96b100e9e280703bbb5, 3d73a1164a8c6b4461907a65cb6c022ea4fd39af). Users and administrators should update to a patched Linux kernel version that includes these commits. No additional mitigation steps are indicated.
Description
CVE-2026-99078 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver related to AF_XDP zero-copy buffer management. It involves stale XSK buffer releases during MPWQE refill retries, which can lead to double-free conditions. The flaw is fixed in specific Linux kernel commits.
References
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/f3a52e2ec2788a7f6b64137985c087188a54ad4f (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/d215d09606b0fcd18ad1eb532995782a21cea49d (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/867119b4b588037724b85839d534465f0334d9bd (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/3d73a1164a8c6b4461907a65cb6c022ea4fd39af (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/63811edf512584c946e5e96b100e9e280703bbb5 (opens in a new tab)