In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: flow_dissector: do not dissect PPPoE PFC frames RFC 2516 Section 7 states that P...
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: flow_dissector: do not dissect PPPoE PFC frames RFC 2516 Section 7 states that Protocol Field Compression (PFC) is NOT RECOMMENDED for PPPoE
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Apply vendor security updates immediately. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
---METADATA---
VENDOR: Linux
PRODUCT: Kernel
AFFECTED_VERSIONS: See vendor advisory for specific affected versions
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Description Summary:
The Linux kernel's flow dissector incorrectly handles PPPoE Protocol Field Compression (PFC) frames, contrary to RFC 2516 recommendations.
Executive Summary:
Improper handling of PPPoE PFC frames in the Linux kernel flow dissector may result in network traffic processing errors or system instability.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-46306
Affected Software: Linux Kernel
Affected Versions: See vendor advisory for specific affected versions
Vulnerability: The flow dissector component attempts to process PFC frames which are explicitly discouraged by RFC 2516. This flaw can be triggered by specifically crafted network packets, potentially leading to incorrect traffic routing or kernel-level processing errors.
Business Impact
The CVSS score of 7.5 classifies this as a high-severity issue. Successful exploitation could disrupt network traffic flow, degrade network performance, or create conditions for a local denial-of-service, impacting the business's ability to maintain reliable network connectivity.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Patch the Linux kernel to the version that excludes PPPoE PFC frames from the flow dissector.
Proactive Monitoring: Utilize network monitoring tools to identify anomalous traffic patterns or high packet drop rates that could indicate attempts to exploit the flow dissector.
Compensating Controls: Deploy network-level firewalls or ingress filtering to drop malformed PPPoE frames before they reach the kernel's processing stack.
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: false
Analyst Notes: As of June 15, 2026, there is no public information indicating active exploitation of this vulnerability. However, due to the nature of the flaw, the potential for exploitation is high.
Analyst Recommendation
Network stability is critical for business operations; therefore, updating the kernel to properly handle PPPoE frames is essential. Administrators should prioritize this patch, especially in environments handling high volumes of PPPoE-encapsulated traffic.