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

bpf: Reject non-scalar bpf_loop iteration counts

bpf_loop() declares its nr_loops argument as ARG_ANYTHING. Privileged
programs may pass pointer values to such arguments, so check_func_arg()
lets a pointer-valued R1 reach the helper-specific checks.

Since commit bb124da69c47 ("bpf: keep track of max number of bpf_loop
callback iterations"), the verifier marks R1 precise and reads its upper
bound to limit callback simulation. Precision backtracking only accepts
scalar registers, so passing a pointer instead triggers the "backtracking
misuse" verifier warning. Kernels with panic_on_warn enabled subsequently
panic.

Introduce ARG_SCALAR for helper arguments that only accept scalar values
and use it for bpf_loop() nr_loops. Generic helper argument validation then
rejects pointers before loop inlining and precision processing.
Published: 2026-09-25
Score: n/a
EPSS: n/a
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
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Remediation

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History

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Reject non-scalar bpf_loop iteration counts bpf_loop() declares its nr_loops argument as ARG_ANYTHING. Privileged programs may pass pointer values to such arguments, so check_func_arg() lets a pointer-valued R1 reach the helper-specific checks. Since commit bb124da69c47 ("bpf: keep track of max number of bpf_loop callback iterations"), the verifier marks R1 precise and reads its upper bound to limit callback simulation. Precision backtracking only accepts scalar registers, so passing a pointer instead triggers the "backtracking misuse" verifier warning. Kernels with panic_on_warn enabled subsequently panic. Introduce ARG_SCALAR for helper arguments that only accept scalar values and use it for bpf_loop() nr_loops. Generic helper argument validation then rejects pointers before loop inlining and precision processing.
Title bpf: Reject non-scalar bpf_loop iteration counts
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-09-25T10:23:32.939Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T10:19:56.068Z

Link: CVE-2026-98007

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-09-25T11:17:28.967

Modified: 2026-09-25T11:17:28.967

Link: CVE-2026-98007

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

No data.

Weaknesses

No weakness.