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CVE Record

CVE-2026-22979: net: fix memory leak in skb_segment_list for GRO packets

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: fix memory leak in skb_segment_list for GRO packets When skb_segment_list() is called during packet forwarding, it handles packets that were aggregated by the GRO engine. Historically, the segmentation logic in skb_segment_list assumes that individual segments are split from a parent SKB and may need to carry their own socket memory accounting. Accordingly, the code transfers truesize from the parent to the newly created segments. Prior to commit ed4cccef64c1 ("gro: fix ownership transfer"), this truesize subtraction in skb_segment_list() was valid because fragments still carry a reference to the original socket. However, commit ed4cccef64c1 ("gro: fix ownership transfer") changed this behavior by ensuring that fraglist entries are explicitly orphaned (skb->sk = NULL) to prevent illegal orphaning later in the stack. This change meant that the entire socket memory charge remained with the head SKB, but the corresponding accounting logic in skb_segment_list() was never updated. As a result, the current code unconditionally adds each fragment's truesize to delta_truesize and subtracts it from the parent SKB. Since the fragments are no longer charged to the socket, this subtraction results in an effective under-count of memory when the head is freed. This causes sk_wmem_alloc to remain non-zero, preventing socket destruction and leading to a persistent memory leak. The leak can be observed via KMEMLEAK when tearing down the networking environment: unreferenced object 0xffff8881e6eb9100 (size 2048): comm "ping", pid 6720, jiffies 4295492526 backtrace: kmem_cache_alloc_noprof+0x5c6/0x800 sk_prot_alloc+0x5b/0x220 sk_alloc+0x35/0xa00 inet6_create.part.0+0x303/0x10d0 __sock_create+0x248/0x640 __sys_socket+0x11b/0x1d0 Since skb_segment_list() is exclusively used for SKB_GSO_FRAGLIST packets constructed by GRO, the truesize adjustment is removed. The call to skb_release_head_state() must be preserved. As documented in commit cf673ed0e057 ("net: fix fraglist segmentation reference count leak"), it is still required to correctly drop references to SKB extensions that may be overwritten during __copy_skb_header().

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A Linux networking accounting error can leave socket memory marked as still in use after certain forwarded, GRO-aggregated packets are processed. The socket may then remain allocated, causing a persistent memory leak. Repeated exposure could reduce available memory or service stability, but the supplied sources do not quantify practical impact or attack requirements.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted stability remediation rather than an emergency until severity and exploitability are established. Promptly assess Linux systems performing packet forwarding, then schedule vendor-approved kernel updates. Escalate priority if memory growth, resource exhaustion, or vendor advisories indicate remotely triggerable denial of service.

Technical view

After GRO fraglist entries were changed to remove socket ownership, skb_segment_list() continued subtracting each fragment’s truesize from the parent SKB. This under-counts memory when the head is freed, leaves sk_wmem_alloc non-zero, and prevents socket destruction. The documented correction removes that truesize adjustment while preserving skb_release_head_state() for SKB-extension reference cleanup.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to affected Linux kernels processing SKB_GSO_FRAGLIST packets constructed by GRO through skb_segment_list(), particularly during packet forwarding. The record lists 6.9, 6.1.161, 6.6.121, 6.12.66, 6.18.6, and 6.19 as affected; distribution-specific backports require vendor confirmation.

Exploitation context

The bundle reports a reproducible persistent kernel memory leak detected with KMEMLEAK during networking teardown. It provides no evidence of active exploitation, and KEV is false. No CVSS score, attack-complexity assessment, privilege requirement, remote-trigger determination, or demonstrated denial-of-service impact is supplied.

Researcher notes

Important unknowns include trigger controllability, traffic prerequisites, leak rate, namespace effects, and whether resource exhaustion is remotely achievable. The affected-version data contains unusual entries, including "0", so it should not replace distribution-specific version mapping. Preserve skb_release_head_state(); the source says it remains necessary to release overwritten SKB-extension references.

Mitigation direction

  • Check the Linux distribution or appliance vendor advisory for affected and corrected kernel builds.
  • Upgrade to a vendor-supported kernel incorporating the applicable linked stable-kernel correction.
  • Prioritize systems that forward traffic and use GRO-related networking paths.
  • Use operational workarounds only if explicitly recommended by the responsible vendor.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory running kernel versions and compare them with current vendor applicability guidance.
  • Confirm the installed kernel contains the relevant stable fix or documented vendor backport.
  • Test representative networking teardown under memory-leak instrumentation in a controlled environment.
  • Monitor affected systems for unexplained kernel memory growth and sockets that fail to release.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
7Source links

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

siemens-SADPADP container
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux2eeab8c47c3c0276e0746bc382f405c9a236a5ad, fc126c1d51e9552eacd2d717b9ffe9262a8a4cd6, ed4cccef64c1d0d5b91e69f7a8a6697c3a865486, ed4cccef64c1d0d5b91e69f7a8a6697c3a865486, ed4cccef64c1d0d5b91e69f7a8a6697c3a865486, d225b0ac96dc40d7e8ae2bc227eb2c56e130975f, 5b3b67f731296027cceb3efad881ae281213f86f, 6.1.85, 6.6.26, 5.15.154, 6.8.5unaffected
LinuxLinux6.9, 0, 6.1.161, 6.6.121, 6.12.66, 6.18.6, 6.19affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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