CVE-2026-64079
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.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: 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. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-476Affected products and versions
Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.
| Vendor | Product | Version evidence |
|---|---|---|
| linux | linux_kernel | from (inclusive) 5.13; before 7.0.11 · CPE version 7.1 · CPE version 7.1 · CPE version 7.1 |
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2f92c5f923979f37ab1d5445381e4b8378a196cc PATCH 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5ea15e78232253e657d352e625fb4913e2f57e63 VENDOR 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/693bffd742dd4fa9a0076ed120545af3679c588b REFERENCE 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b62eb8dcf2c47d4d676a434efbd57c4f776f7829 PATCH 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f669571a2bf5067f50091cc598df9613663ee226 VENDOR 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67