CVE-2026-22983: net: do not write to msg_get_inq in callee
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: do not write to msg_get_inq in callee
NULL pointer dereference fix.
msg_get_inq is an input field from caller to callee. Don't set it in
the callee, as the caller may not clear it on struct reuse.
This is a kernel-internal variant of msghdr only, and the only user
does reinitialize the field. So this is not critical for that reason.
But it is more robust to avoid the write, and slightly simpler code.
And it fixes a bug, see below.
Callers set msg_get_inq to request the input queue length to be
returned in msg_inq. This is equivalent to but independent from the
SO_INQ request to return that same info as a cmsg (tp->recvmsg_inq).
To reduce branching in the hot path the second also sets the msg_inq.
That is WAI.
This is a fix to commit 4d1442979e4a ("af_unix: don't post cmsg for
SO_INQ unless explicitly asked for"), which fixed the inverse.
Also avoid NULL pointer dereference in unix_stream_read_generic if
state->msg is NULL and msg->msg_get_inq is written. A NULL state->msg
can happen when splicing as of commit 2b514574f7e8 ("net: af_unix:
implement splice for stream af_unix sockets").
Also collapse two branches using a bitwise or.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-22983 is a Linux kernel bug in internal socket receive handling. A bad write to an input flag could contribute to a NULL pointer dereference in AF_UNIX stream splice paths. The source describes it as not critical, but it is still a kernel correctness issue that should be picked up through normal kernel update processes.
Executive priority
Treat as routine-to-important kernel maintenance, not an emergency based on current evidence. Raise priority if your vendor marks deployed kernels affected or if operational crash evidence appears.
Technical view
The fix stops callee code from writing msg_get_inq, an input field in the kernel-internal msghdr variant. Reused structures and splice handling can leave state->msg NULL, allowing unix_stream_read_generic to hit a NULL pointer dereference when msg_get_inq is written. The referenced stable commits implement the robustness fix.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux kernels containing the affected AF_UNIX changes before the referenced stable fixes. The source bundle does not identify affected distributions, configurations, privileges required, or remotely reachable services.
Exploitation context
No active exploitation is stated. The CVE is not listed as KEV in the bundle, and the provided sources do not describe exploitability, weaponization, or real-world attacks.
Researcher notes
The record gives commit-level context but lacks CVSS, CWE, distribution mapping, exploit preconditions, and impact detail beyond NULL pointer dereference. Avoid assuming remote reachability or privilege requirements without vendor analysis.
Mitigation direction
Check Linux vendor advisories for CVE-2026-22983 applicability.
Update to a kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize systems running custom or upstream kernels near the affected commits.
If patching is delayed, follow vendor-specific mitigations when published.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel builds across managed systems.
Compare installed kernels against vendor errata for CVE-2026-22983.
Confirm kernel changelogs include the referenced AF_UNIX msg_get_inq fix.
Review kernel crash reports for related AF_UNIX NULL dereference signatures.
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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CVE-2026-22983 mapping review
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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
0ADP providers
3Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Jan 23, 2026, 15:24 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.