--- a/sys/netgraph/eiface/ng_eiface.c	2026-09-14 18:28:46.863008248 +0000
+++ b/sys/netgraph/eiface/ng_eiface.c	2026-09-14 18:28:52.366938916 +0000
@@ -511,8 +511,10 @@
 	    return (EINVAL);
 	}
 
-	if ( !(ifp->if_flags & IFF_UP) )
+	if ( !(ifp->if_flags & IFF_UP) ) {
+		m_freem(m);
 		return (ENETDOWN);
+	}
 
 	/* Note receiving interface */
 	m->m_pkthdr.rcvif = ifp;