CVE-2026-43465

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's mlx5e driver. This vulnerability arises from incorrect fragment counting when XDP (eXpress Data Path) multi-buffer programs modify the XDP buffer layout. This issue could allow a local attacker or a specially crafted network packet to trigger a negative reference counting error, leading to system instability or a denial of service.

Red Hat acknowledges the upstream Linux kernel correction for «net/mlx5e» as described in COMMENT_ZERO. Fixes are delivered through standard kernel errata for supported products. Operational exposure depends on whether this subsystem or driver is active in your configuration.

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.

To mitigate this issue, prevent the mlx5_core module from being loaded. See https://access.redhat.com/solutions/41278 for instructions.