CVE-2026-22988 arp: do not assume dev_hard_header() does not change skb->head
A memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel ARP module allows attackers to potentially execute code or cause a denial of service.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-22988?
CVE-2026-22988 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 23 Jan 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
arp: do not assume dev_hard_header() does not change skb->head
arp_create() is the only dev_hard_header() caller making assumption about skb->head being unchanged.
A recent commit broke this assumption.
Initialize @arp pointer after dev_hard_header() call.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-22988?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-22988?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2026-22988 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-22988 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as BELL-CVE-2026-22988, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-22988, GHSA-5fwh-qcfv-38cc, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-22988.