CVE-2026-98351 wifi: virt_wifi: free skb when disconnected
A memory leak in the Linux kernel virt_wifi driver allows attackers to cause denial of service by exhausting kernel memory via packet transmission during disconnection.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-98351?
CVE-2026-98351 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Linux, published on 6 Oct 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:
wifi: virt_wifi: free skb when disconnected
When the simulated link is disconnected, virt_wifi_start_xmit() returns NET_XMIT_DROP without freeing the skb. dev_hard_start_xmit() treats this return value as consumed, so every packet sent while disconnected leaks its skb.
Free the skb before returning the drop status.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-98351?
How do I fix CVE-2026-98351?
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-2026-98351 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-98351 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as AZL-106188, BELL-CVE-2026-98351, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-98351, GHSA-g85q-82h3-fmh4, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-98351.