CVE-2026-80986
A bug in the Linux kernel’s SMC‑Rv2 message handling caused a buffer over‑read that could crash the system or lead to privilege escalation. The issue has been fixed in the kernel source. Users should update to a kernel that includes the patch.
An official fix is available, so this entry is kept for 30 days and then removed automatically.
Who is affected
Linux kernel users on any distribution that has not yet applied the patch for CVE‑2026‑80986. This includes servers, desktops, and embedded devices running affected kernel versions.
Real-world impact
An attacker could trigger a kernel crash or potentially exploit the memory corruption to gain elevated privileges, resulting in denial of service or unauthorized control of the system.
Why this severity
The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects that the flaw can be exploited remotely without authentication, requires no user interaction, and provides complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability compromise.
What to do about it
- 01Upgrade your Linux kernel to a version that includes the CVE‑2026‑80986 fix.
- 02Reboot the system to load the updated kernel.
NVD description indicates patch
Timeline
- Sep 11, 2026 · 2d agoPublishedDisclosed and added to the National Vulnerability Database.
- Sep 13, 2026 · 7h agoOfficial fix availableA vendor patch or mitigation now exists — see the remediation steps above.