CVE-2026-68374

Received Received - Intake

Race Condition in Linux Kernel USB Core

Publication date: 2026-08-10

Last updated on: 2026-10-19

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: core: sysfs: add lock to bos_descriptors_read() Add a lock to the function bos_descriptors_read(). This function accesses udev->bos, which could be simultaneously freed in usb_reset_and_verify_device(), a function that is commonly called in drivers all over the kernel.

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-10

Last Modified

2026-10-19

Generated

2026-11-08

AI Q&A

2026-08-10

EPSS Evaluated

2026-11-07

NVD

CVE-2026-68374

EUVD

EUVD-2026-55560

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
linux	linux_kernel	*

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-416	The product reuses or references memory after it has been freed. At some point afterward, the memory may be allocated again and saved in another pointer, while the original pointer references a location somewhere within the new allocation. Any operations using the original pointer are no longer valid because the memory "belongs" to the code that operates on the new pointer.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves a race condition in the Linux kernel's USB core subsystem. The function bos_descriptors_read() accesses a USB device's BOS descriptors without proper synchronization. The udev->bos structure it accesses can be freed simultaneously in usb_reset_and_verify_device(), which is called frequently across the kernel.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's USB core subsystem and may not have direct network detection methods. Monitor kernel logs for USB-related errors or crashes using commands like dmesg | grep -i usb or journalctl -k | grep -i usb. Check for kernel oops or panic messages that may indicate issues with USB device handling.

Impact Analysis

This could lead to system crashes, kernel panics, or potential privilege escalation if exploited. Users might experience sudden system freezes or unexpected behavior when using USB devices. Systems relying on USB peripherals could become unstable.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar standards as it pertains to a race condition in the Linux kernel's USB subsystem. Compliance impacts would depend on system-specific implementations and data processing activities rather than this technical flaw.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest kernel updates from your Linux distribution to ensure the patched version is installed. Avoid using untrusted USB devices until the system is updated. If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling USB devices if they are not required for system operation.

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