CVE-2026-52914·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: batman-adv: fix fragment reassembly length accounting batman-adv keeps a running payload length for queued fragments and uses it to validate a fragment chain before reassembly. That accounting currently allows the accumulated fragment length to be truncated during updates. As a result, malformed fragment chains can bypass the intended validation and drive reassembly with inconsistent length state, leading to a local denial of service. Fix the accounting by storing the accumulated length in a length-typed field and rejecting update overflows before the existing validation logic runs. The fix was verified against the original reproducer and against valid fragment reassembly paths.
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 7.0.11
- Published
Affected versions
From: 6.19
Until: 7.0.11
Fixed in: 7.0.11
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 7.0.11 or later to patch the batman-adv fragment reassembly vulnerability. This critical flaw allows malformed network fragments to bypass validation checks and cause denial of service conditions. Prioritize this update as it affects core networking functionality with a CVSS score of 9.8.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your kernel version with 'uname -r' and verify if it falls within the affected range (6.19 to 7.0.10)
- Step 2: Confirm batman-adv is active by checking 'lsmod | grep batman_adv' or verify mesh networking is configured in '/etc/network/interfaces' or netplan config
- Step 3: Search system logs for fragment reassembly errors with 'grep -i "fragment\|reassembl" /var/log/kern.log /var/log/syslog' to identify potential exploitation attempts
- Step 4: After patching, reboot the system and verify the new kernel version with 'uname -r' confirms 7.0.11 or later is running
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-52914?
This is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's batman-adv mesh networking module where a flaw in fragment length accounting allows attackers to bypass validation checks and trigger denial of service by sending crafted malformed fragment chains.
Is CVE-2026-52914 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog and no public exploits are available, but its critical CVSS score warrants immediate patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2026-52914?
Linux kernel versions 6.19 through 7.0.10 are vulnerable. The fix is included in kernel 7.0.11 and later stable releases.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-52914?
Run 'uname -r' to check your kernel version and 'lsmod | grep batman_adv' to verify batman-adv is loaded. If your kernel is between 6.19-7.0.10 and batman-adv is active, you are vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-52914?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-52914 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/37be61825b15534a16ff9cfc9546de155b6df982
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3eb8bcb823391bd58997831b3c9c152a4ba8e255
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/975563c5de1123dde1ec7946bf5556d20c89d74e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9cd3f16c320bfdadd4509358122368deb56a5741
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e4f3f6b818aa6a678bc54a2d4e0bece2303c6a64
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