---
id: "CVE-2026-98966"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-98966"]
title: "Linux kernel: bonding driver leaks XDP programs when replaced"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: 0.00198
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "infrastructure"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["bonding", "infrastructure", "linux", "xdp"]
not_affected_if: []
published_at: "2026-10-23T13:17:18+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:33+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-25T12:38:50+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98966", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:33+00:00"}, {"source": "epss", "url": "https://api.first.org/data/v1/epss?cve=CVE-2026-98966", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-25T12:38:50+00:00"}]
---

# Linux kernel: bonding driver leaks XDP programs when replaced

When an XDP program on a Linux bonding device is replaced or removed, the kernel fails to release the reference to the old BPF program. Leaked programs accumulate in memory over repeated attachments.

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

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T21:57:33+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98966
- 2026-10-25T12:38:50+00:00 epss https://api.first.org/data/v1/epss?cve=CVE-2026-98966

## From the sources

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

bonding: fix the program leak when XDP is replaced

We need to release the reference on the old BPF prog, whether
we are going to no-prog, or replacing the prog with another.

Spotted by AI while running tests for the propagation series
(leaked programs were accumulating). Selftest will come in
the net-next series to avoid conflicts.

---

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