CVE-2026-43431
Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete
NULL Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel XHCI Driver

Publication date: 2026-05-08

Last updated on: 2026-05-20

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xhci: Fix NULL pointer dereference when reading portli debugfs files Michal reported and debgged a NULL pointer dereference bug in the recently added portli debugfs files Oops is caused when there are more port registers counted in xhci->max_ports than ports reported by Supported Protocol capabilities. This is possible if max_ports is more than maximum port number, or if there are gaps between ports of different speeds the 'Supported Protocol' capabilities. In such cases port->rhub will be NULL so we can't reach xhci behind it. Add an explicit NULL check for this case, and print portli in hex without dereferencing port->rhub.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-08
Last Modified
2026-05-20
Generated
2026-06-19
AI Q&A
2026-05-08
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-18
NVD
CVE-2026-43431
EUVD
EUVD-2026-28737
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 7.0
linux linux_kernel From 6.19 (inc) to 6.19.9 (exc)
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Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-476 The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a NULL pointer dereference bug in the Linux kernel's xhci driver related to portli debugfs files.

It occurs when the number of port registers counted in xhci->max_ports is greater than the number of ports reported by Supported Protocol capabilities. This mismatch can happen if max_ports exceeds the maximum port number or if there are gaps between ports of different speeds.

In such cases, a pointer (port->rhub) becomes NULL, and the code attempts to dereference it, causing a kernel Oops (crash). The fix adds an explicit NULL check to prevent dereferencing the NULL pointer.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause the Linux kernel to crash (kernel Oops) when accessing certain debugfs files related to USB ports.

A kernel crash can lead to system instability, potential denial of service, and disruption of normal operations.

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