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CVE-2026-98268

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf: Fix null pointer access in is_include_guest_event() A typical module unload occurring event when there is an active perf…

Published Oct 6, 2026EPSS 0.15%

Overview

CVE-2026-98268 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on October 6, 2026.

Technical description

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

perf: Fix null pointer access in is_include_guest_event()

A typical module unload occurring event when there is an active perf

connection leads to freeing of the pmu pointer. The call log is something

like:

..

__pmu_detach_event

pmu_detach_event

pmu_detach_events

perf_pmu_unregister

..

__pmu_detach_event() sets event->pmu to null. When the perf connection

finally is closed, the following stack trace is observed:

Oops: general protection fault, kernel NULL pointer dereference

...

RIP: 0010:_free_event+0x3e/0x370

...

Call Trace:

...

perf_event_release_kernel+0x260/0x2d0

perf_release+0x12/0x20

A call to mediated_pmu_unaccount_event() inside _free_event() is the root

cause of this crash. Adding a check inside is_include_guest_event() ensures

we don't accidentally access a null pmu ptr. In addition to this, we will

now call mediated_pmu_unaccount_event() before clearing the pmu ptr so that

nr_include_gues

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-2026-98268?

CVE-2026-98268 is a known-severity vulnerability. It was published on October 6, 2026.

How severe is CVE-2026-98268?

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-2026-98268?

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-2026-98268?

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