CVE-2026-98861

fprobe: Use guard(rcu_sched_notrace) and check rcu_is_watching()

Published Oct 18, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 4.7 Medium EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

fprobe: Use guard(rcu_sched_notrace) and check rcu_is_watching()

unregister_fprobe() and unregister_fprobe_async() (used by BPF
kprobe-multi) rely on standard RCU grace periods (synchronize_rcu()
and call_rcu()) to wait until in-flight fprobe handlers complete before
freeing the fprobe.

However, if an fprobe handler executes while RCU is not watching (such
as in the idle loop or nohz_full extended quiescent states), standard
RCU does not track preemption-disabled sections. Consequently,
synchronize_rcu() does not wait for those executions, which can lead
to a use-after-free if the fprobe is freed immediately after
unregistration. Ensure handlers exit early when !rcu_is_watching().

Furthermore, fprobe_fgraph_entry() and fprobe_ftrace_entry() previously
used guard(rcu)() and rcu_read_lock(), which invoke lockdep on every
hit under CONFIG_PROVE_LOCKING. This adds overhead and can cause lockdep
recursion if probed functions interact with lockdep.

Since rhltable_lookup() and rhl_for_each_entry_rcu() use
rcu_dereference_all_check() (which checks rcu_read_lock_any_held()),
holding preemption disabled via rcu_read_lock_sched_notrace() is fully
valid and sufficient so long as rcu_is_watching() is true.

Define and use guard(rcu_sched_notrace)() across fprobe_ftrace_entry(),
fprobe_fgraph_entry(), and fprobe_return(). This eliminates fast-path
rcu_read_lock() and lockdep overhead while guaranteeing safe grace
period synchronization.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-9018-1 Linux kernel vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-9018-2 Linux kernel (HWE) vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-9019-1 Linux kernel (Azure) vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-9020-1 Linux kernel vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-367
Type Values Removed Values Added
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 4.7, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-367
CWE-416
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fprobe: Use guard(rcu_sched_notrace) and check rcu_is_watching() unregister_fprobe() and unregister_fprobe_async() (used by BPF kprobe-multi) rely on standard RCU grace periods (synchronize_rcu() and call_rcu()) to wait until in-flight fprobe handlers complete before freeing the fprobe. However, if an fprobe handler executes while RCU is not watching (such as in the idle loop or nohz_full extended quiescent states), standard RCU does not track preemption-disabled sections. Consequently, synchronize_rcu() does not wait for those executions, which can lead to a use-after-free if the fprobe is freed immediately after unregistration. Ensure handlers exit early when !rcu_is_watching(). Furthermore, fprobe_fgraph_entry() and fprobe_ftrace_entry() previously used guard(rcu)() and rcu_read_lock(), which invoke lockdep on every hit under CONFIG_PROVE_LOCKING. This adds overhead and can cause lockdep recursion if probed functions interact with lockdep. Since rhltable_lookup() and rhl_for_each_entry_rcu() use rcu_dereference_all_check() (which checks rcu_read_lock_any_held()), holding preemption disabled via rcu_read_lock_sched_notrace() is fully valid and sufficient so long as rcu_is_watching() is true. Define and use guard(rcu_sched_notrace)() across fprobe_ftrace_entry(), fprobe_fgraph_entry(), and fprobe_return(). This eliminates fast-path rcu_read_lock() and lockdep overhead while guaranteeing safe grace period synchronization.
Title fprobe: Use guard(rcu_sched_notrace) and check rcu_is_watching()
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
Linux
Published
Updated
Oct 19, 2026, 9:26 AM
Reserved
Sep 25, 2026, 10:25 AM
Status
Received
Published
Oct 18, 2026, 4:17 PM
Modified
Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Oct 18, 2026, 3:51 PM