CVE-2026-89481

HIGH
Published Sep 11, 2026 Modified Sep 14, 2026

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: fix host memory disclosure on R2T for a read command nvme_tcp_handle_r2t() does not check the direction of the request the R2T refers to. A malicious controller can send an R2T for a READ and the host will answer it: nvme_tcp_setup_h2c_data_pdu() builds the H2CData header and nvme_tcp_try_send_data() sends the request's data buffer. That buffer is the READ destination, so its contents go to the controller. The command then completes normally and nothing is logged. Against a test controller that answers every READ with an R2T, a 4096 byte buffered read returned all 4096 bytes, split over two R2Ts. The pages contained stale kernel data, including an array of struct page pointers. Reject an R2T for a request that is not a write.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

7.5
HIGH
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

0.0041
Probability of exploitation
0.35%
Percentile rank

EPSS estimates the probability that this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. A higher score means more likely to be exploited.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-89481? +
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme-tcp: fix host memory disclosure on R2T for a read command nvme_tcp_handle_r2t() does not check the direction of the request the R2T refers to. A malicious controller can send an R2T for a READ and the host will answer it: nvme_tcp_setup_h2c_data_pdu() builds the H2CData header and nvme_tcp_try_send_data() sends the request's data buffer. That buffer is the READ destination, so its contents go to the controller. The command then completes normally and nothing is logged. Against a test controller that answers every READ with an R2T, a 4096 byte buffered read returned all 4096 bytes, split over two R2Ts. The pages contained stale kernel data, including an array of struct page pointers. Reject an R2T for a request that is not a write. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (HIGH).
How severe is CVE-2026-89481? +
CVE-2026-89481 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching. The EPSS score is 0.0041, placing it in the 0th percentile for exploitation probability.
How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-89481? +
You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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