In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf, xdp: move offload check into dev_xdp_install() bpf_xdp_link_update() calls… (CVE-2026-90146)
A high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's BPF XDP subsystem was resolved by moving critical offload checks into the dev_xdp_install() function. Previously, bpf_xdp_link_update() bypassed dev_xdp_attach(), skipping important validation checks. This allowed a user to create an XDP link with a normal program and then swap in an offloaded or device-bound program improperly, potentially causing security issues.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-90146) in the Linux kernel involves the BPF XDP subsystem where bpf_xdp_link_update() calls dev_xdp_install() directly, bypassing dev_xdp_attach() and its associated checks. This flaw allowed a user to create an XDP link with a normal program and then replace it with an offloaded or device-bound program via BPF_LINK_UPDATE, which incorrectly placed it on the software path. The fix involved moving all program validation checks related to offloading and device binding into dev_xdp_install(), ensuring all code paths perform the necessary validations.
Potential Impact
Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local user with limited privileges to bypass intended program validation checks when updating XDP links, potentially leading to unauthorized program installation on the software path. The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix for this vulnerability has been implemented in the Linux kernel by moving the offload and device binding checks into dev_xdp_install(). Users should apply the official Linux kernel updates that include this patch to remediate the issue. Since no specific patch links or affected versions are provided, users should consult their Linux distribution's security advisories for the relevant kernel update.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf, xdp: move offload check into dev_xdp_install() bpf_xdp_link_update() calls… (CVE-2026-90146)
Description
A high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's BPF XDP subsystem was resolved by moving critical offload checks into the dev_xdp_install() function. Previously, bpf_xdp_link_update() bypassed dev_xdp_attach(), skipping important validation checks. This allowed a user to create an XDP link with a normal program and then swap in an offloaded or device-bound program improperly, potentially causing security issues.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-90146) in the Linux kernel involves the BPF XDP subsystem where bpf_xdp_link_update() calls dev_xdp_install() directly, bypassing dev_xdp_attach() and its associated checks. This flaw allowed a user to create an XDP link with a normal program and then replace it with an offloaded or device-bound program via BPF_LINK_UPDATE, which incorrectly placed it on the software path. The fix involved moving all program validation checks related to offloading and device binding into dev_xdp_install(), ensuring all code paths perform the necessary validations.
Potential Impact
Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local user with limited privileges to bypass intended program validation checks when updating XDP links, potentially leading to unauthorized program installation on the software path. The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix for this vulnerability has been implemented in the Linux kernel by moving the offload and device binding checks into dev_xdp_install(). Users should apply the official Linux kernel updates that include this patch to remediate the issue. Since no specific patch links or affected versions are provided, users should consult their Linux distribution's security advisories for the relevant kernel update.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-7c8h-xm4v-9jxx
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-90146"]
- Database Specific Severity
- HIGH
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6aade52655bf5e2cf5edc1b5
Added to database: 09/19/2026, 01:28:06 UTC
Last enriched: 09/19/2026, 01:53:33 UTC
Last updated: 09/19/2026, 02:21:38 UTC
Views: 2
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.