The Linux kernel vulnerability CVE-2026-64005 concerns the net/smc component where the smc hashtables (smc_v*_hashinfo.ht) were re-initialized after being set up and potentially containing active entries. Specifically, INIT_HLIST_HEAD(&smc_v_hashinfo.ht) was called after smc_nl_init(), proto_register(), and sock_register(), which could reset the hash tables despite existing entries, possibly corrupting the list. The fix removes this redundant and unsafe re-initialization in smc_init(), as the hashtables are already implicitly zero-initialized. Additionally, HLIST_HEAD_INIT was added to the definitions for clarity.

The vulnerability could lead to corruption of the smc hashtable lists within the kernel, potentially causing instability or unexpected behavior in the affected subsystem. No known exploits in the wild have been reported. The impact is limited to the internal kernel data structure integrity in the net/smc module.

A fix has been implemented in the Linux kernel source to remove the unsafe re-initialization of the smc hashtables. Users should update to the fixed kernel version once available. Patch status is not explicitly confirmed in the provided data; therefore, check the official Linux kernel advisories or vendor updates for the exact fixed versions and apply them accordingly.