Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

bpf: Use array_map_meta_equal for percpu array inner map replacement

percpu_array_map_ops.map_meta_equal points to the generic
bpf_map_meta_equal(), which does not compare max_entries. When a
percpu array serves as an inner map, replacing it with one that has
fewer max_entries bypasses the check. Since percpu_array_map_gen_lookup()
inlines the original template's index_mask as a JIT immediate, a lookup
on the replacement map can access pptrs[] out of bounds.

Point percpu_array_map_ops.map_meta_equal to array_map_meta_equal(),
which already enforces the max_entries equality check.

Add a selftest to verify that replacing a percpu array inner map with
a differently-sized one is rejected.
Published: 2026-10-09
Score: 7.8 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Kernel Out-of-Bounds Memory Access
Action: Immediate Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

The Linux kernel BPF subsystem contains a flaw in the comparison of a per‑CPU array inner map’s maximum entry count. The kernel uses a generic equality function that neglects to compare the actual max_entries value. When a per‑CPU array is replaced by a smaller inner map, that check is bypassed, allowing a lookup operation to access the map’s pointer array beyond its bounds. This out‑of‑bounds read occurs inside the kernel, potentially exposing kernel memory contents.

Affected Systems

All installations of the Linux kernel that include the BPF framework are potentially affected, regardless of vendor. Linux distributions that have not applied the patch that enforces array_map_meta_equal for percpu array inner maps remain vulnerable. Since affected kernel versions are not specified, users should verify whether their current kernel releases contain the fix.

Risk and Exploitability

The vulnerability is scored at CVSS 7.8, which classifies it as high severity. The EPSS score of <1% indicates that current exploitation probability is low and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV. Based on the description, the likely attack vector involves an attacker with the ability to load or modify BPF programs that run with kernel privileges—this inference is drawn because the flaw deals with BPF map manipulation rather than an externally exposed interface. While the out‑of‑bounds read can leak kernel data, no evidence is provided regarding privilege escalation or denial‑of‑service outcomes.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 24, 2026 at 15:31 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the kernel patch that redirects percpu_array_map_ops.map_meta_equal to array_map_meta_equal, enforcing a max_entries equality check.
  • If a patch is not yet available, enforce stricter BPF program controls by disabling BPF globally or restricting untrusted BPF usage through security modules such as SELinux, AppArmor, or seccomp profiles.
  • After applying mitigations, monitor BPF map usage for anomalous changes and review system logs for suspicious kernel memory accesses.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 24, 2026 at 15:31 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.0, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}


Sun, 11 Oct 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-125
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.0, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate


Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-119

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Use array_map_meta_equal for percpu array inner map replacement percpu_array_map_ops.map_meta_equal points to the generic bpf_map_meta_equal(), which does not compare max_entries. When a percpu array serves as an inner map, replacing it with one that has fewer max_entries bypasses the check. Since percpu_array_map_gen_lookup() inlines the original template's index_mask as a JIT immediate, a lookup on the replacement map can access pptrs[] out of bounds. Point percpu_array_map_ops.map_meta_equal to array_map_meta_equal(), which already enforces the max_entries equality check. Add a selftest to verify that replacing a percpu array inner map with a differently-sized one is rejected.
Title bpf: Use array_map_meta_equal for percpu array inner map replacement
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-10-24T14:08:36.004Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T10:25:14.345Z

Link: CVE-2026-98376

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-10-09T08:16:55.910

Modified: 2026-10-24T14:16:39.733

Link: CVE-2026-98376

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-10-09T00:00:00Z

Links: CVE-2026-98376 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-24T15:45:07Z

Weaknesses