CVE-2026-31478: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: replace hardcoded hdr2_len with offsetof() in smb2_calc_max_out_buf_len() After this commit (e2b76ab8b5c9 "ksmbd: add support for read compound"), response buffer management was changed to use dynamic iov array. In the new design, smb2_calc_max_out_buf_len() expects the second argument (hdr2_len) to be the offset of ->Buffer field in the response structure, not a hardcoded magic number. Fix the remaining call sites to use the correct offsetof() value.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-31478, a critical vulnerability (CVSS 9.8) affecting linux kernel, may affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the vulnerable environment. The exact impact depends on the installed version, exposed interfaces and deployment configuration.

Recommended administrator action

Confirm whether linux kernel is present and compare installed versions with the vendor advisory and NVD record. Apply the vendor patch or documented mitigation; until remediation is complete, reduce exposure of affected interfaces, review relevant logs and monitor for indicators of exploitation. DataHouse can support version verification, managed patching, network exposure reduction, log review and backup validation for dedicated, cloud and colocated environments.

Sources

• NVD
• Reference
• Reference
• Reference
• Reference
• Reference
• Reference
• Reference