Findings

CVE-2026-98287

pppoatm: ensure a writable skb header and linear data

Published Oct 6, 2026 · corrected/updated Oct 15, 2026 · evidence confidence medium

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: pppoatm: ensure a writable skb header and linear data In pppoatm_send(), LLC encapsulation checks whether there is sufficient headroom for the 4-byte LLC header, but does not ensure that the skb header is writable. Normal transmit packets passing through ppp_start_xmit() have their header unshared via skb_cow_head(). However, packets can also reach pppoatm_send() via PPP channel bridging (PPPIOCBRIDGECHAN) without going through ppp_start_xmit(). Use skb_cow_head() to ensure both sufficient headroom and a writable header before pushing the LLC header. While at it: - Call pskb_may_pull(skb, 1) before inspecting skb->data[0] to prevent out-of-bounds reads on zero-length or non-linear frames (e.g. from bridging). - Defer SC_COMP_PROT protocol compression until after pppoatm_may_send() succeeds. This eliminates the temporary skb allocation on admission failure and completely removes the fragile "undo" heuristic at the nospace label, avoiding any risk of reading uninitialized headroom or performing an unbalanced skb_push().

Grounded briefings

Catalog interpretations for three audiences. Each brief cites ingested metadata and the original advisories below. They are not independent research and they do not invent exploit steps.

Executive

CVE-2026-98287 is a unknown public vulnerability record for this product. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. This summary is a catalog interpretation of the ingested metadata and cites the original advisories below.

System administrator

Identify whether this product is in your estate, then compare installed versions with the affected ranges. Affected packages or ranges on record: Kernel (5.11.0 → 5.15.222). Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. Prefer the vendor or distribution advisory linked in Sources before changing production systems. This is a catalog interpretation, not a runbook.

Security analyst

Signals on file: no CVSS/EPSS yet. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Sources contributing to this record: cve_org, osv. Public exploit references, when present, are outbound links only and are not proof of active exploitation. This is a catalog interpretation of stored metadata.

Exploitation and remediation

  • Exploitation evidence

    Not listed as known exploited in CISA KEV. Not in CISA KEV or VulnCheck KEV.

  • Patch and remediation

    No required-action text is stored yet. Use the vendor or CERT links in Sources for patch availability.

  • Safe detection guidance

    Compare installed versions with the affected ranges below and verify the advisory from the original publisher. This site stores metadata and outbound links only; it does not ship exploit code or proof-of-concept payloads.

Code

The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.

Timeline

Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.

  1. Oct 6, 2026 · OpenSSF OSV / OSV Scanner

    Detected

    In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: pppoatm: ensure a writable skb header and linear data In pppoatm_send(), LLC encapsulation checks whether there is sufficient headroom for the 4-byte LLC header, but does not ensure that the skb header is writable. Normal transmit packets passing through ppp_start_xmit() have their header unshared via skb_cow_head(). However, pack

  2. Oct 15, 2026 · OpenSSF OSV / OSV Scanner

    Fix available

    Kernel fixed in 5.15.222

  3. Oct 15, 2026 · OpenSSF OSV / OSV Scanner

    Fix available

    Kernel fixed in 5.15.222

  4. Oct 15, 2026 · OpenSSF OSV / OSV Scanner

    Updated

    In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: pppoatm: ensure a writable skb header and linear data In pppoatm_send(), LLC encapsulation checks whether there is sufficient headroom for the 4-byte LLC header, but does not ensure that the skb header is writable. Normal transmit packets passing through ppp_start_xmit() have their header unshared via skb_cow_head(). However, pack

Affected

  • Linux Kernel5.11.0 → 5.15.222

Sources

References