CVE-2026-53402
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fbdev: fbcon: fix out-of-bounds read in err_out of fbcon_do_set_font() When fbcon_do_set_font() fails (e.g., due to a memory allocation failure inside vc_resize() under heavy memory pressure), it jumps to the `err_out` label to roll back the console state. However, the current rollback logic forgets to restore the `hi_font` state, leading to a severe state machine corruption. Earlier in the function, `set_vc_hi_font()` might be called to change `vc->vc_hi_font_mask` and mutate the screen buffer. If `vc_resize()` subsequently fails, the `err_out` path restores `vc_font.charcount` but entirely skips rolling back the `vc_hi_font_mask` and the screen buffer. This mismatch leaves the terminal in a desynchronized state. Because `vc_hi_font_mask` remains set, the VT subsystem will still accept character indices greater than 255 from userspace and write them to the screen buffer. Subsequent rendering calls (e.g., `fbcon_putcs()`) will then use these inflated indices to access the reverted, 256-character font array, leading to a deterministic out-of-bounds read and potential kernel memory disclosure. Fix this by adding the missing rollback logic for the `hi_font` mask and screen buffer in the error path.
Affected versions
Linux kernel versions
5.10.249,
5.15.64,
5.19.6,
6.0
and later are affected. Fixed in
6.12.96,
6.18.39,
7.1.3,
7.2-rc1
and their respective stable series.
References
4 totalFrequently asked questions
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What is CVE-2026-53402?
CVE-2026-53402 is a unscored severity Linux kernel vulnerability . It affects Linux kernel versions from 5.10.249 onward and has been patched in 6.12.96, 6.18.39, 7.1.3 and others. CVE-2026-53402 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
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Is there a patch available for CVE-2026-53402?
Yes — CVE-2026-53402 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.12.96, 6.18.39, 7.1.3 and others. If you are running Linux kernel 5.10.249 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.
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Is CVE-2026-53402 actively exploited?
No — CVE-2026-53402 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.