CVE-2026-98130 sctp: fix a TOCTOU race in SCTP_CMD_TIMER_START
A race condition in the Linux kernel SCTP timer handling can lead to use-after-free, potentially allowing attackers to execute code or escalate privileges.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-98130?
CVE-2026-98130 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 25 Sep 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
sctp: fix a TOCTOU race in SCTP_CMD_TIMER_START
The SCTP_CMD_TIMER_START handler checks timer_pending() before calling timer_reduce(). The timer can expire and detach between these operations, causing timer_reduce() to rearm the timer without taking the association reference required for the newly armed timer.
The timer callback later unconditionally drops its association reference, which can leave the association reference count unbalanced and result in use-after-free during association teardown.
Use the return value of timer_reduce() to determine whether the timer was actually armed. Take the association reference only when timer_reduce() successfully starts a new timer, closing the race between checking the timer state and rearming it.
This issue was reported by Nico Yip (@_cyeaa_) working with TrendAI Zero Day Initiative.
Weakness: CWE-362
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-98130?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-98130?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Is CVE-2026-98130 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-98130 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as AZL-104232, BELL-CVE-2026-98130, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-98130, GHSA-8fp7-88m9-24jc, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-98130.