CVE-2026-64079: netfilter: x_tables: allocate hook ops while under mutex
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: x_tables: allocate hook ops while under mutex
arp/ip(6)t_register_table() add the table to the per-netns list via
xt_register_table() before allocating the per-netns hook ops copy
via kmemdup_array(). This leaves a window where the table is
visible in the list with ops=NULL.
If the pernet exit happens runs concurrently the pre_exit callback finds
the table via xt_find_table() and passes the NULL ops pointer to
nf_unregister_net_hooks(), causing a NULL dereference:
general protection fault in nf_unregister_net_hooks+0xbc/0x150
RIP: nf_unregister_net_hooks (net/netfilter/core.c:613)
Call Trace:
ipt_unregister_table_pre_exit
iptable_mangle_net_pre_exit
ops_pre_exit_list
cleanup_net
Fix by moving the ops allocation into the xtables core so the table is
never in the list without valid ops. Also ensure the table is no longer
processing packets before its torn down on error unwind.
nf_register_net_hooks might have published at least one hook; call
synchronize_rcu() if there was an error.
audit log register message gets deferred until all operations have
passed, this avoids need to emit another ureg message in case of
error unwinding.
Based on earlier patch by Tristan Madani.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-64079 is a Linux kernel netfilter issue that can leave an internal firewall table visible before its hook operations are initialized. A concurrent namespace cleanup path can then dereference a NULL pointer and crash the kernel. The provided sources do not establish remote exploitability, privilege requirements, or active exploitation.
Executive priority
Track as a kernel availability risk with incomplete severity data. Prioritize normal kernel patch intake, with faster handling for shared infrastructure, container hosts, and systems where a kernel crash would cause material downtime.
Technical view
In x_tables, arp/ip/ip6 table registration added a table to the per-network-namespace list before allocating copied hook ops. During concurrent pernet exit, xt_find_table() could return that table with ops=NULL, leading nf_unregister_net_hooks() to NULL dereference. The fix moves hook ops allocation under the xtables mutex before list exposure and adds RCU synchronization on error unwind.
Likely exposure
Linux systems running affected kernel versions with netfilter x_tables functionality are potentially exposed. The source data does not map this to specific distributions, packaged kernel builds, configurations, or cloud images, so environment-specific vendor checks are required.
Exploitation context
The source describes a race condition causing a kernel NULL dereference during table registration and per-network-namespace exit. It does not claim active exploitation, include KEV status, or document attacker prerequisites. Treat exploitation status as unconfirmed.
Researcher notes
The evidence supports a race-triggered NULL dereference in netfilter x_tables. Impact appears availability-focused from the provided call trace, but exploitability, required privileges, and affected distribution ranges are not specified. Avoid assuming remote attack paths without vendor or researcher confirmation.
Mitigation direction
Review Linux kernel and distribution advisories for CVE-2026-64079 applicability.
Apply kernel updates that include the referenced stable fixes when available.
Prioritize hosts using netfilter x_tables, iptables, arptables, or ip6tables.
Plan reboots or live-patching according to normal kernel update procedures.
Monitor kernel logs for crashes in nf_unregister_net_hooks or x_tables paths.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions across Linux assets.
Check vendor advisories for fixed package versions mapped to this CVE.
Confirm deployed kernels include the referenced upstream stable commits.
Review crash logs for the cited nf_unregister_net_hooks call trace.
Verify netfilter x_tables usage on high-value and multi-tenant hosts.
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-2026-64079 mapping review
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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Jul 19, 2026, 15:39 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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