PatchTheCVECVE-2026-64228: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: ethtool: phy: avoid NULL deref when
CVE-2026-64228 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting linux kernel. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: ethtool: phy: avoid NULL deref when PHY driver is unbound phydev->drv can become NULL while the phy_device is still attached to its net_device, namely after the PHY driver is unbound via sysfs: echo <mdio_id> > /sys/bus/mdio_bus/drivers/<phy_drv>/unbind phy_remove() clears phydev->drv but doesn't call phy_detach(), so the phy_device stays in the link topology xarray and
Why this priority
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.5 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.2% (top 95%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-476 |
| Published | 2026-07-24 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-13 |
Last updated 2026-08-13 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-64228?
linux kernel: upgrade to 6.18.34, 7.0.11. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2026-64228 being exploited?
CVE-2026-64228 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-64228 affect?
CVE-2026-64228 affects linux kernel. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: ethtool: phy: avoid NULL deref when PHY driver is unbound phydev->drv can become NULL while the phy_device is still attached to its net_device, namely after the PHY
How urgent is CVE-2026-64228?
Priority 26/100. On your watchlist
Software pages
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