CVE-2026-45939
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Memory Leak in Linux Kernel GPIB Subsystem

Publication date: 2026-05-27

Last updated on: 2026-05-27

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: gpib: Fix memory leak in ni_usb_init() In ni_usb_init(), if ni_usb_setup_init() fails, the function returns -EFAULT without freeing the allocated writes buffer, leading to a memory leak. Additionally, ni_usb_setup_init() returns 0 on failure, which causes ni_usb_init() to return -EFAULT, an inappropriate error code for this situation. Fix the leak by freeing writes in the error path. Modify ni_usb_setup_init() to return -EINVAL on failure and propagate this error code in ni_usb_init().
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-27
Last Modified
2026-05-27
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-27
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-45939
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32223
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's gpib driver, specifically in the ni_usb_init() function. When the function ni_usb_setup_init() fails, ni_usb_init() returns an error code (-EFAULT) without freeing a previously allocated buffer, causing a memory leak.

Additionally, ni_usb_setup_init() incorrectly returns 0 on failure, which leads ni_usb_init() to return an inappropriate error code (-EFAULT). The fix involves freeing the allocated buffer on error and changing ni_usb_setup_init() to return a proper error code (-EINVAL) that is then propagated by ni_usb_init().

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability causes a memory leak in the Linux kernel when the ni_usb_init() function encounters an initialization failure. Over time, this memory leak could lead to increased memory usage, potentially degrading system performance or causing instability.

Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability is fixed in the Linux kernel by correcting the memory leak in the gpib driver, specifically in the ni_usb_init() function. To mitigate this vulnerability, you should update your Linux kernel to a version that includes this fix.

  • Apply the latest Linux kernel updates or patches that address this issue.
  • Rebuild and deploy the updated kernel to your systems.
  • Restart affected systems to ensure the updated kernel is in use.
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