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.
Covered by Rapid7
| Product | Vendor Advisory | Solution File | Added | Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debian | — | Upgrade linux-6.12Upgrade linux | Sep 30, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 |
| Redhat_linux | — | No solution exists | Sep 30, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 |
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