Kernel Access Vulnerability in Linux Package: CVE-2026-98655
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2026-98655: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf: Require kernel access for text poke events Perf events with exclude_kernel=1 can be opened without kernel perf access. Affects linux versions 6.1.106-1 – 7.3~rc7-1~exp1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. It provides essential services such as process management, memory management, and device control. The kernel is critical for system stability and security, making it imperative to address any vulnerabilities that may arise. CVE-2026-98655 highlights a significant security flaw that allows unprivileged tasks to exploit kernel access, potentially leading to unauthorized information disclosure.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2026-98655 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that allows unprivileged tasks to open and mmap task-local software events with text_poke=1. This occurs because perf events with exclude_kernel=1 can be opened without requiring kernel perf access. The vulnerability exposes kernel instruction addresses through PERF_RECORD_TEXT_POKE records, which are marked as PERF_RECORD_MISC_KERNEL. This can lead to the disclosure of the runtime kernel text base, undermining Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) protections. The flaw can be exploited in scenarios where a known kernel image is available, allowing attackers to infer sensitive information about the kernel's memory layout.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can avoid using perf events with text_poke=1 until the package is updated. Additionally, ensure that only privileged tasks are allowed to access kernel-level perf events.
Conclusion
CVE-2026-98655 represents a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that allows unprivileged tasks to access sensitive kernel memory addresses. It is essential for users to update their systems to the patched versions to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2026-98655 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that allows unprivileged tasks to access kernel instruction addresses, potentially leading to information disclosure.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
The primary risk is the potential disclosure of sensitive kernel memory addresses, which can undermine system security and allow attackers to exploit other vulnerabilities.
Yes, patches are available for Debian 13 and 14. Users should update to version 6.12.113-1 or later for Trixie and 7.2.10-1 or later for Forky.
If immediate updates are not possible, avoid using perf events with text_poke=1 and limit access to kernel-level perf events to privileged tasks.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
