CVE-2026-22979
kernel: Linux kernel: Memory leak in networking due to incorrect GRO packet handling
Severity
LowRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · January 23, 2026
Updated · October 14, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's networking component. Incorrect memory accounting when handling Generic Receive Offload (GRO) packets can lead to a persistent memory leak. This occurs because the system incorrectly tracks memory usage for network packets, preventing proper cleanup of network resources. Over time, this can lead to a denial of service (DoS) as system memory is gradually exhausted.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
No mitigation is specified in collected source.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 5.5CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
CWE-772 · Missing Release of Resource after Effective Lifetime