CVE-2026-80708
Received Received - Intake

Memory Scrubbing Flaw in Linux Kernel s390/zcrypt

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-80708, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-08-28

Last updated on: 2026-08-28

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: s390/zcrypt: Fix missing mem scrub at clear key import in cca_clr2cipherkey() The helper function _ip_cprb_helper() uses internal buffer memory for building and processing CPRBs. After use this buffer was never scrubbed which could lead to leaving for example clear key material in memory which could be exposed via tricky reuse of this same memory. Extend the _ip_cprb_helper() function with another parameter 'scrub' used to steer scrubbing of this buffer. So now the caller has the opportunity to decide if scrubbing is needed or not. Extend the clear key to secure key token import process in function cca_clr2cipherkey() to tell the helper function from above to scrub the cprb buffer when the clear key value is part of the request data. Add explicit scrubbing on return from function cca_clr2cipherkey() for the random EXOR buffer and the cprb buffer. Overall this cleans the internal used buffer in case of clear key import to prevent sensitive data to get exposed.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-28
Last Modified
2026-08-28
Generated
2026-09-17
AI Q&A
2026-08-28
EPSS Evaluated
2026-09-15
NVD
EUVD

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 is a memory exposure vulnerability in the Linux kernel's s390/zcrypt component. It involves a function that processes cryptographic operations leaving sensitive clear key material in memory after use. The issue occurs because internal buffers are not properly cleared, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's s390/zcrypt component and involves memory handling of clear key material. Detection requires checking kernel logs for related errors or examining memory dumps for exposed clear keys. No standard commands exist for direct detection as it involves internal buffer analysis.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to retrieve sensitive cryptographic key material from system memory. This might lead to unauthorized decryption of data, impersonation, or other security breaches depending on the system's use of cryptographic operations.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could violate compliance requirements that mandate protection of sensitive data like cryptographic keys. GDPR and HIPAA require safeguarding personal and health information, and exposure of keys could lead to unauthorized access, resulting in potential regulatory penalties.

Mitigation Strategies

Update your Linux kernel to the patched version that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates and apply them promptly. No additional configuration changes are required beyond the kernel update.

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