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CVE Record

CVE-2026-46188: octeon_ep_vf: add NULL check for napi_build_skb()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: octeon_ep_vf: add NULL check for napi_build_skb() napi_build_skb() can return NULL on allocation failure. In __octep_vf_oq_process_rx(), the result is used directly without a NULL check in both the single-buffer and multi-fragment paths, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. Add NULL checks after both napi_build_skb() calls, properly advancing descriptors and consuming remaining fragments on failure.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a Linux kernel driver bug in the Octeon EP virtual function network receive path. Under allocation failure, the driver can dereference a NULL pointer, likely causing a kernel crash or service interruption. The sources do not provide CVSS, active exploitation evidence, or broad product impact beyond Linux kernel affected-version metadata.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted stability risk, not an internet-wide emergency based on current evidence. Patch affected Linux systems where the Octeon EP VF driver is used, especially systems with high availability or network throughput requirements.

Technical view

In __octep_vf_oq_process_rx(), octeon_ep_vf used napi_build_skb() without checking for NULL in both single-buffer and multi-fragment receive paths. The kernel fix adds NULL checks, advances descriptors, and consumes remaining fragments on failure. Impact appears to be NULL pointer dereference denial of service, but exploit prerequisites are not described.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux systems using the Octeon EP VF network driver. The CVE metadata lists Linux kernel versions including 6.9, 6.12.88, 6.18.30, 7.0.7, and 7.1 as affected, but downstream distribution backports may differ.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show active exploitation, public exploit code, or KEV listing. The triggering condition is allocation failure during receive processing, but the public sources do not describe attacker control, required traffic conditions, or local versus remote reachability.

Researcher notes

The available record supports a kernel NULL pointer dereference in a specific network driver path. Severity is not scored, CWEs are absent, and exploitability is not characterized. Research should focus on affected driver deployment, downstream backports, and whether receive-path allocation failure can be externally influenced.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade to a kernel or vendor package containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Ask your Linux distributor whether the fix is backported to your supported kernel.
  • Prioritize systems using Octeon EP VF networking.
  • If patching is delayed, follow vendor guidance for operational workarounds.
  • Track kernel advisories for updated severity or affected-version clarification.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux hosts and identify kernels using octeon_ep_vf.
  • Compare installed kernel packages against vendor advisories and referenced stable commits.
  • Review kernel logs for NULL dereference crashes involving octeon_ep_vf receive processing.
  • Confirm patched kernels include NULL checks after napi_build_skb() in this driver.
  • Validate production exposure with asset owners for Octeon EP VF hardware or virtualization use.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

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

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2026-46188 mapping review

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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
0ADP providers
5Source 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.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux1cd3b407977c3ab1d2ddc26cb7113e7fb1509cd1, 1cd3b407977c3ab1d2ddc26cb7113e7fb1509cd1, 1cd3b407977c3ab1d2ddc26cb7113e7fb1509cd1, 1cd3b407977c3ab1d2ddc26cb7113e7fb1509cd1unaffected
LinuxLinux6.9, 0, 6.12.88, 6.18.30, 7.0.7, 7.1affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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