CVE-2026-23288 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
accel/amdxdna: Fix out-of-bounds memset in command slot handling
The remaining space in a command slot may be smaller than the size of the command header. Clearing the command header with memset() before verifying the available slot space can result in an out-of-bounds write and memory corruption.
Fix this by moving the memset() call after the size validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2026
This vulnerability exists within the amdxdna driver component of the Linux kernel, specifically addressing a critical out-of-bounds memory access issue that could lead to system instability and potential security exploitation. The flaw occurs in the command slot handling mechanism where the driver processes asynchronous command operations for AMD XDNA hardware accelerators. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer management error that demonstrates poor input validation and memory initialization practices within kernel space code.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the incorrect ordering of memory operations within the command processing pipeline. When the driver receives a command for execution, it first performs a memset operation to clear the command header structure before validating whether sufficient space exists within the allocated command slot. This sequence creates a scenario where the memset operation may attempt to write beyond the boundaries of the allocated memory region, particularly when the remaining space in a command slot is smaller than the size of the command header structure. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that can corrupt adjacent memory regions and potentially overwrite critical kernel data structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise within kernel space. An attacker with access to the system could potentially exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing AMD XDNA hardware accelerators and demonstrates how seemingly minor memory management issues in kernel drivers can create significant security risks. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a clear example of improper boundary checking in memory operations.
The fix implemented addresses the root cause by reordering the memory operations to perform size validation before memory initialization. This approach follows established secure coding practices and prevents the out-of-bounds write condition by ensuring that memory clearing operations only occur within valid boundaries. The mitigation strategy demonstrates proper defensive programming techniques that align with ATT&CK framework tactic TA0040 (Defense Evasion) and technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) by preventing unauthorized memory access patterns. The solution maintains the intended functionality while eliminating the potential for memory corruption that could be exploited by malicious actors.
This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper memory management in kernel space drivers and demonstrates how security issues can arise from seemingly simple implementation errors. The fix reinforces the principle of validating inputs and boundaries before performing memory operations, which is fundamental to preventing buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should prioritize applying this patch across all systems utilizing AMD XDNA hardware to prevent potential exploitation and maintain system integrity. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive code review processes and static analysis tools to identify similar issues in kernel space components that could provide attackers with unauthorized access to critical system resources.