CVE-2026-31742

High

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vt: discard stale unicode buffer on alt screen exit after resize When enter_alt_screen() saves vc_uni_lines into vc_saved_uni_lines and sets vc_uni_lines to NULL, a subsequent console resize via vc_do_resize() skips reallocating the unicode buffer because vc_uni_lines is NULL. However, vc_saved_uni_lines still points to the old buffer allocated for the original dimensions. When leave_alt_screen() later restores vc_saved_uni_lines, the buffer dimensions no longer match vc_rows/vc_cols. Any operation that iterates over the unicode buffer using the current dimensions (e.g. csi_J clearing the screen) will access memory out of bounds, causing a kernel oops: BUG: unable to handle page fault for address: 0x0000002000000020 RIP: 0010:csi_J+0x133/0x2d0 The faulting address 0x0000002000000020 is two adjacent u32 space characters (0x20) interpreted as a pointer, read from the row data area past the end of the 25-entry pointer array in a buffer allocated for 80x25 but accessed with 240x67 dimensions. Fix this by checking whether the console dimensions changed while in the alternate screen. If they did, free the stale saved buffer instead of restoring it. The unicode screen will be lazily rebuilt via vc_uniscr_check() when next needed.

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2026-05-01
Last modified 2026-05-07
CVSS version 3.1
Patch available
Not yet patched

CVSS 3.1 score

7.8

out of 10
High
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Vector string
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Weakness type

CWE-125

CVE-2026-31742 is a Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability

What is Out-of-bounds Read?

The product reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. Learn more on MITRE CWE

Affected versions

Linux kernel versions 6.18.20, 6.19.10 and later are affected. No fixed version recorded yet.

Affected from
≥ 6.18.20 ≥ 6.19.10

References

The following references provide additional information about CVE-2026-31742 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2026-31742?

    CVE-2026-31742 is a High severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10 , classified as an Out-of-bounds Read flaw (CWE-125) . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.18.20 onward . CVE-2026-31742 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-31742?

    CVE-2026-31742 has a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10, rated High severity (CVSS 3.1). The vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H .

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2026-31742?

    No patch is currently available for CVE-2026-31742. Monitor the NIST NVD and your Linux distribution's security advisories for updates.

  • Is CVE-2026-31742 actively exploited?

    No — CVE-2026-31742 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

  • What is Out-of-bounds Read (CWE-125)?

    The product reads data past the end or before the beginning of the intended buffer. View CWE-125 on MITRE CWE →