CVE-2026-43296
Published: May 8, 2026· Updated: May 12, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
octeontx2-af: Workaround SQM/PSE stalls by disabling sticky
NIX SQ manager sticky mode is known to cause stalls when multiple SQs
share an SMQ and transmit concurrently. Additionally, PSE may deadlock
on transitions between sticky and non-sticky transmissions. There is
also a credit drop issue observed when certain condition clocks are
gated.
work around these hardware errata by:
- Disabling SQM sticky operation:
- Clear TM6 (bit 15)
- Clear TM11 (bit 14)
- Disabling sticky → non-sticky transition path that can deadlock PSE:
- Clear TM5 (bit 23)
- Preventing credit drops by keeping the control-flow clock enabled:
- Set TM9 (bit 21)
These changes are applied via NIX_AF_SQM_DBG_CTL_STATUS. With this
configuration the SQM/PSE maintain forward progress under load without
credit loss, at the cost of disabling sticky optimizations.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-43296 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (8)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-43296 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts