CVE-2026-52981

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: neigh: let neigh_xmit take skb ownership neigh_xmit always releases the skb, except when no neighbour table is found. But even the first added user of neigh_xmit (mpls) relied on neigh_xmit to release the skb (or queue it for tx). sashiko reported: If neigh_xmit() is called with an uninitialized neighbor table (for example, NEIGH_ND_TABLE when IPv6 is disabled), it returns -EAFNOSUPPORT and bypasses its internal out_kfree_skb error path. Because the return value of neigh_xmit() is ignored here, does this leak the SKB? Assume full ownership and remove the last code path that doesn't xmit or free skb.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-06-24 17:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-19 20:18 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-06-24 17:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-19 20:18 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-401

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 6.1.175
• Linux Kernel < 6.6.141
• Linux Kernel < 6.12.91
• Linux Kernel < 6.18.33
• Linux Kernel < 7.0.10
• Linux Kernel 7.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-52981.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-52981. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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