In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Check ancestor frames for rbtree callbacks bpf_rbtree_add() invokes its comparator while the caller holds the root lock

Overview

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

bpf: Check ancestor frames for rbtree callbacks

bpf_rbtree_add() invokes its comparator while the caller holds the root lock. The native insertion code retains raw parent and link pointers across the callback, so the verifier prohibits unlocking, consuming tree nodes, or changing RCU state from that callback.

in_rbtree_lock_required_cb() only checks the innermost verifier frame. Static subprogram calls are permitted while holding a spin lock, and such a call pushes a frame without in_callback_fn set. Consequently, all callback restrictions disappear in the nested frame. The subprogram can unlock the tree, remove and drop the node being compared, then relock. Native insertion resumes with the stale parent pointer and links freed memory into the tree.

Walk all active frames for the rbtree callback instead. Benign static subprograms remain permitted, while callback restrictions follow execution into nested frames.

Remediation

Refer to the linked advisories for vendor-supplied fixes and affected version ranges.

Vendor advisories

• Red Hat VEX · Moderate · affected: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4 · no fix planned: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4 · updated 2026-09-28 · vex