CVE-2026-23389 Overview
A memory leak vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's Intel ice network driver. The vulnerability exists in the ice_set_ringparam() function where improper error handling leads to memory leaks when ring buffer allocation fails. Specifically, when rx_rings allocation fails after tx_rings and xdp_rings have been allocated, the error path jumps to the done label without freeing the previously allocated memory. Additionally, if an individual Rx ring setup fails during the configuration loop, only tx_rings is freed while xdp_rings remains allocated, causing a secondary memory leak.
Critical Impact
Memory leak in the Linux kernel ice driver can lead to system resource exhaustion over time, potentially causing denial of service conditions on systems using Intel network interfaces.
Affected Products
- Linux kernel with Intel ice network driver
- Systems using Intel E800 Series network adapters
- Linux kernel versions prior to the security patch
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-25 - CVE CVE-2026-23389 published to NVD
- 2026-03-25 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-23389
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the ice_set_ringparam() function within the Intel ice network driver. This function is responsible for configuring transmit (tx), receive (rx), and XDP ring buffers for network operations. The memory allocation sequence allocates tx_rings first, followed by xdp_rings, and finally rx_rings.
The root cause is improper resource cleanup in error handling paths. When allocation or setup of rx_rings fails, the code fails to properly release all previously allocated resources. This creates two distinct memory leak scenarios that can be triggered during ring parameter configuration operations.
Root Cause
The error handling logic contains inadequate cleanup routines. The done label cleanup path does not account for the tx_rings and xdp_rings allocations that may have succeeded prior to the rx_rings failure. Similarly, the free_tx label only releases tx_rings but neglects to free xdp_rings, creating an incomplete cleanup sequence. The fix introduces a free_xdp label and updates error paths to ensure proper resource deallocation order.
Attack Vector
This vulnerability is primarily exploitable through local access where an attacker can repeatedly trigger ring parameter changes through network configuration operations. Each failed allocation attempt leaks kernel memory, and repeated triggering can lead to kernel memory exhaustion. The vulnerability was discovered through static analysis tooling and code review, and there are currently no known public exploits.
The vulnerability manifests in the ring parameter configuration flow. When an administrator or process attempts to modify network ring buffer sizes, the allocation sequence can fail at various points. The incomplete error handling means that successful allocations prior to the failure point are not properly freed. See the Kernel Git Commit Details for the technical fix implementation.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-23389
Indicators of Compromise
- Gradual decrease in available kernel memory over time without corresponding workload increase
- Kernel slab allocation warnings or out-of-memory conditions
- System instability or degraded network performance on systems with Intel ice network interfaces
- Repeated network ring parameter configuration failures in system logs
Detection Strategies
- Monitor kernel memory usage patterns using tools like /proc/meminfo and /proc/slabinfo
- Implement alerting on unusual kernel memory growth trends
- Review dmesg and kernel logs for ice driver allocation failures
- Use kernel memory leak detection tools such as kmemleak when available
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable kernel memory tracking on systems using Intel E800 series network adapters
- Set up automated monitoring for slab memory allocation patterns
- Configure alerts for network driver error messages related to ring buffer operations
- Implement regular memory baseline comparisons for systems with ice driver loaded
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-23389
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest kernel security patches containing the fix
- Minimize unnecessary ring parameter changes until patches are applied
- Monitor system memory usage on affected systems
- Consider temporarily restricting network configuration capabilities to trusted administrators
Patch Information
The vulnerability has been addressed through kernel patches that introduce proper cleanup handling. The fix adds a free_xdp label and updates error paths to ensure both xdp_rings and tx_rings are properly freed when rx_rings allocation or setup fails.
Patch commits are available at:
Workarounds
- Avoid modifying ring parameters on production systems until patches are applied
- Implement strict access controls to limit network configuration operations
- Schedule regular system reboots to reclaim leaked memory if patching is delayed
- Consider using alternative network drivers if available and compatible
# Check if ice driver is loaded on your system
lsmod | grep ice
# Monitor kernel memory for potential leaks
watch -n 60 'cat /proc/meminfo | grep -E "MemFree|Slab|SReclaimable"'
# Check current ring parameters (read-only, safe operation)
ethtool -g <interface_name>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
