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CVE-2026-97986

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: virtio_input: stop callbacks before unregistering input device virtinput_remove() unregisters the input device before resetting…

Published Sep 25, 2026EPSS 0.17%

Overview

CVE-2026-97986 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on September 25, 2026.

Technical description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

virtio_input: stop callbacks before unregistering input device

virtinput_remove() unregisters the input device before resetting the

virtio device. virtinput_recv_events() drops vi->lock around input_event(),

so clearing vi->ready does not stop a callback that passed the entry check.

It can still use vi->idev, requeue buffers and kick the queue.

Reset first, as virtinput_freeze() already does. With the preceding core

change, reset waits for callbacks before input_unregister_device() can

free vi->idev. Recheck vi->ready after taking the lock again: keep draining

completed events so an input packet is not truncated, but stop requeueing

buffers and kicking the queue.

With evdev attached, input_unregister_handle() currently waits for an RCU

grace period, which also waits out IRQ callbacks. This masks the lifetime

bug on PCI and MMIO, but does not protect sleepable callbacks on other

transports.

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-97986?

CVE-2026-97986 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on September 25, 2026.

How severe is CVE-2026-97986?

CVSS score information is not yet available for this vulnerability. Check back as the CVE record is updated by NVD analysts.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2026-97986?

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2026-97986?

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