Vulnerability Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Reject legacy packet loads from callbacks check_ld_abs() models a failed BPF_LD_ABS or BPF_LD_IND in a subprogram as an implicit return with R0 set to zero. It calls prepare_func_exit() to explore this synthesized path. When the load is reached directly from a synchronous callback, prepare_func_exit() enforces the callback return contract and marks R0 precise. R0 is not derived from a real instruction on this path, so precision backtracking reaches the callback call with R0 still requested and triggers the "callback unexpected regs" verifier bug. A privileged program loader can therefore cause a verifier warning and an -EFAULT BPF_PROG_LOAD. These legacy packet-load instructions are deprecated. Reject them from callbacks rather than complicating their implicit-return model. Check all active frames before constructing the implicit return so nested static subprograms cannot hide the callback context. Global functions are verified independently with a fresh frame zero, so an active-frame check cannot identify a global function called from a callback. Also check the complete subprogram call graph during stack-depth validation and reject a function containing a legacy load when any caller is a callback. This covers global and static descendants without making has_ld_abs transitive, preserving its per-function BTF return-type check. Ordinary uses outside callbacks remain supported.
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3484a99303912db62428494a9061212049027e57
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bc489c0c9b8c86bd7fac42cfd1bb152f042fca56
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e7d28823c662128caae63f14e16bd394916c139b
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-98044?
CVE-2026-98044 is a documented vulnerability. In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Reject legacy packet loads from callbacks check_ld_abs() models a failed BPF_LD_ABS or BPF_LD_IND in a subprogram as an impli...
How severe is CVE-2026-98044?
CVSS scoring is not yet available for CVE-2026-98044. Check NVD for updates.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-98044?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.