CVE-2026-99043
ice: fix metadata_dst refcount handling on representor teardown
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ice: fix metadata_dst refcount handling on representor teardown ice_eswitch_release_repr() uses metadata_dst_free() to release the representor's metadata_dst. metadata_dst_free() directly frees the underlying memory without checking the dst_entry refcount. When ice_eswitch_port_start_xmit() processes a packet, it takes a reference via dst_hold() and attaches the metadata_dst to the skb. If the representor is torn down while packets are still queued on the lower device (e.g. in a qdisc), the metadata_dst is freed while references are still held. Use dst_release() instead, which correctly decrements the refcount and only frees the object when all references are dropped. The dst subsystem already handles metadata_dst cleanup in dst_destroy() when DST_METADATA is set. Other drivers sharing this pattern (nfp, airoha, bnxt) already use dst_release() for their metadata_dst lifecycle.
INFO
Published Date :
Oct. 23, 2026, 1:17 p.m.
Last Modified :
Oct. 23, 2026, 1:17 p.m.
Remotely Exploit :
No
Source :
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
Solution
- Update the Linux kernel to the resolved version.
- Use dst_release() for metadata_dst lifecycle management.
- Ensure refcount is decremented before freeing.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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CVE-2026-99043.
CWE - Common Weakness Enumeration
While CVE identifies
specific instances of vulnerabilities, CWE categorizes the common flaws or
weaknesses that can lead to vulnerabilities. CVE-2026-99043 is
associated with the following CWEs:
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)
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approaches employed by adversaries to exploit the CVE-2026-99043
weaknesses.
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Vulnerability history details can be useful for understanding the evolution of a vulnerability, and for identifying the most recent changes that may impact the vulnerability's severity, exploitability, or other characteristics.
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New CVE Received by 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
Oct. 23, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ice: fix metadata_dst refcount handling on representor teardown ice_eswitch_release_repr() uses metadata_dst_free() to release the representor's metadata_dst. metadata_dst_free() directly frees the underlying memory without checking the dst_entry refcount. When ice_eswitch_port_start_xmit() processes a packet, it takes a reference via dst_hold() and attaches the metadata_dst to the skb. If the representor is torn down while packets are still queued on the lower device (e.g. in a qdisc), the metadata_dst is freed while references are still held. Use dst_release() instead, which correctly decrements the refcount and only frees the object when all references are dropped. The dst subsystem already handles metadata_dst cleanup in dst_destroy() when DST_METADATA is set. Other drivers sharing this pattern (nfp, airoha, bnxt) already use dst_release() for their metadata_dst lifecycle. Added Affected New affected value received. <a href="https://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/blob/main/cves/2026/99xxx/CVE-2026-99043.json">CVE-2026-99043</a> Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1f263235651775f93c15d90c9f25c3f4a4ef6512 Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/58858b8f14803a7eeac297b3ce20f3b21bf2ff66 Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5e4d20db5179e83a4948927bc39e489a9a83256d Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6f5544f53f1e58ea8a49fb9f9158d5793b9205b0 Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/beb05f484a1e4a5a66e3678e4b7f3147f651c080