CVE-2026-80579
Received Received - Intake

Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel Framebuffer Subsystem

Publication date: 2026-08-26

Last updated on: 2026-08-26

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fbdev: clear fb_info->mode before deleting a videomode fb_set_var() can delete a mode from info->modelist when userspace passes FB_ACTIVATE_INV_MODE through FBIOPUT_VSCREENINFO. The code checks that the mode being deleted is not the current info->var and that fbcon is not using it, but it does not check fb_info->mode. fb_info->mode may still point into the modelist entry being deleted. If the entry is freed, later mode sysfs reads through show_mode() can dereference a stale pointer. Clear fb_info->mode before calling fb_delete_videomode() when it matches the mode being removed.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-26
Last Modified
2026-08-26
Generated
2026-08-26
AI Q&A
2026-08-26
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-80579
EUVD
EUVD-2026-66494

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *

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Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a use-after-free issue in the framebuffer subsystem. When userspace deletes a video mode through FBIOPUT_VSCREENINFO with FB_ACTIVATE_INV_MODE, the kernel fails to clear fb_info->mode before removing the mode from the modelist. This leaves a stale pointer in fb_info->mode that can be dereferenced later during mode sysfs reads, leading to potential memory corruption or crashes.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's fbdev subsystem and requires kernel-level access to detect. There are no direct network commands to detect it. You would need to check kernel logs for errors related to framebuffer operations or mode deletions. Commands like dmesg or journalctl -k may show relevant errors if the issue occurs.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could cause system instability, crashes, or unexpected behavior if exploited. It may lead to denial-of-service conditions or privilege escalation if an attacker triggers the stale pointer dereference. Systems using framebuffer devices are primarily affected.

Mitigation Strategies

Update your Linux kernel to a version that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Since the issue is resolved in the kernel, applying the latest stable kernel update is the primary mitigation step. Monitor kernel changelogs for the specific patch addressing this issue.

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