CVE-2026-43422
Undergoing Analysis Undergoing Analysis - In Progress
Null Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel USB NCM Driver

Publication date: 2026-05-08

Last updated on: 2026-05-22

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: legacy: ncm: Fix NPE in gncm_bind Commit 56a512a9b410 ("usb: gadget: f_ncm: align net_device lifecycle with bind/unbind") deferred the allocation of the net_device. This change leads to a NULL pointer dereference in the legacy NCM driver as it attempts to access the net_device before it's fully instantiated. Store the provided qmult, host_addr, and dev_addr into the struct ncm_opts->net_opts during gncm_bind(). These values will be properly applied to the net_device when it is allocated and configured later in the binding process by the NCM function driver.
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
Probability:
Percentile:
Meta Information
Published
2026-05-08
Last Modified
2026-05-22
Generated
2026-06-19
AI Q&A
2026-05-08
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-17
NVD
CVE-2026-43422
EUVD
EUVD-2026-28728
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 5 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel 7.0
linux linux_kernel From 6.18.17 (inc) to 6.18.19 (exc)
linux linux_kernel From 6.19.7 (inc) to 6.19.9 (exc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-476 The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL.
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Quick Actions
Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's legacy NCM (Network Control Model) USB driver. A recent change deferred the allocation of the net_device structure, which caused the legacy NCM driver to attempt accessing this net_device before it was fully created. This results in a NULL pointer dereference (NPE) during the binding process in the gncm_bind function.

The fix involves storing certain parameters (qmult, host_addr, and dev_addr) into a configuration structure during gncm_bind, so they can be properly applied later when the net_device is fully allocated and configured.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause a NULL pointer dereference in the legacy NCM USB driver, which may lead to a kernel crash or system instability when the affected code path is executed.

Such crashes could result in denial of service conditions on affected systems, potentially disrupting normal operations or requiring a system reboot.

Chat Assistant
Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-43422. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70
EPSS Chart