CVE-2026-45856

CVE-2026-45856 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-125.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/uverbs: Validate wqe_size before using it in ib_uverbs_post_send ib_uverbs_post_send() uses cmd.wqe_size from userspace without any validation before passing it to kmalloc() and using the allocated buffer as struct ib_uverbs_send_wr. If a user provides a small wqe_size value (e.g., 1), kmalloc() will succeed, but subsequent accesses to user_wr->opcode, user_wr->num_sge, and other fields will read beyond the allocated buffer, resulting in an out-of-bounds read from kernel heap memory. This could potentially leak sensitive kernel information to userspace. Additionally, providing an excessively large wqe_size can trigger a WARNING in the memory allocation path, as reported by syzkaller. This is inconsistent with ib_uverbs_unmarshall_recv() which properly validates that wqe_size >= sizeof(struct ib_uverbs_recv_wr) before proceeding. Add the same validation for ib_uverbs_post_send() to ensure wqe_size is at least sizeof(struct ib_uverbs_send_wr).

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-45856?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/uverbs: Validate wqe_size before using it in ib_uverbs_post_send ib_uverbs_post_send() uses cmd.wqe_size from userspace without any validation before passing it to kmalloc() and using the allocated buffer as struct ib_uverbs_send_wr. If a user provides a small wqe_size value (e.g., 1), kmalloc() will succeed, but subsequent accesses to user_wr->opcode, user_wr->num_sge, and other fields will read beyond the allocated buffer, resulting in an out-of-bounds read from kernel heap memory. This could potentially leak sensitive kernel information to userspace. Additionally, providing an excessively large wqe_size can trigger a WARNING in the memory allocation path, as reported by syzkaller. This is inconsistent with ib_uverbs_unmarshall_recv() which properly validates that wqe_size >= sizeof(struct ib_uverbs_recv_wr) before proceeding. Add the same validation for ib_uverbs_post_send() to ensure wqe_size is at least sizeof(struct ib_uverbs_send_wr).
How severe is CVE-2026-45856?
CVE-2026-45856 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-45856 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-45856?
CVE-2026-45856 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45856?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2026-45856 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-45856 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-32322.
When was CVE-2026-45856 published?
CVE-2026-45856 was published on 2026-05-27 and last updated on 2026-06-25.

References

Affected products (1)

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