---
id: "CVE-2026-98750"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-98750"]
title: "Linux kernel: TTY saved termios race can cause use-after-free"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["infrastructure", "linux-kernel", "linux-servers", "self-hosted"]
not_affected_if: ["default-config"]
published_at: "2026-10-18T16:17:28+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:16+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-25T05:16:57+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98750", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:16+00:00"}]
---

# Linux kernel: TTY saved termios race can cause use-after-free

A race between closing a TTY and re-registering a device that reuses its minor number can cause a use-after-free in the Linux kernel. The sources describe the flaw but do not state what an attacker gains beyond memory corruption.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- `uname -r` to see the running kernel version
- unknown whether the sources list affected kernel versions

## Fix

- Update the Linux kernel to a release that includes the upstream fix for the TTY saved termios reset race
- unknown exact fixed version from the sources

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T21:57:16+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98750

## From the sources

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

tty: fix saved termios reset race

Resetting saved termios state on device registration is needed where a
minor number can be reused for an entirely different device and where
the old settings may prevent the port from even being opened (e.g. when
CLOCAL is not set).

Not all TTY drivers guarantee that the minor number is no longer in use
when registering devices however, something which can lead to a
use-after-free when closing a TTY (and saving its termios) races with
re-registration.

Add a new TTY_DRIVER_RESET_SAVED_TERMIOS flag to request that any saved
termios state is reset on registration and only set it for drivers that
make sure that the minor number is no longer in use.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_