CVE-2026-43397 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/bridge: samsung-dsim: Fix memory leak in error path
In samsung_dsim_host_attach(), drm_bridge_add() is called to add the bridge. However, if samsung_dsim_register_te_irq() or pdata->host_ops->attach() fails afterwards, the function returns without removing the bridge, causing a memory leak.
Fix this by adding proper error handling with goto labels to ensure drm_bridge_remove() is called in all error paths. Also ensure that samsung_dsim_unregister_te_irq() is called if the attach operation fails after the TE IRQ has been registered.
samsung_dsim_unregister_te_irq() function is moved without changes to be before samsung_dsim_host_attach() to avoid forward declaration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2026
This vulnerability exists within the samsung-dsim driver in the Linux kernel's display subsystem, specifically affecting the drm/bridge component that manages display interface connections. The issue manifests as a memory leak occurring during the device attachment process when error conditions are encountered after initial bridge registration. The vulnerability represents a classic resource management flaw where allocated kernel memory structures are not properly freed when error paths are taken during driver initialization.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate error handling within the samsung_dsim_host_attach() function where drm_bridge_add() is invoked to register the display bridge with the DRM subsystem. When subsequent operations such as samsung_dsim_register_te_irq() or the platform data host operations attach callback (pdata->host_ops->attach()) fail, the function returns immediately without executing the necessary cleanup routines. This creates a situation where the bridge structure remains registered in the DRM subsystem but is no longer properly managed, leading to memory leak conditions that can accumulate over time and potentially impact system stability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption as it represents a failure in proper resource lifecycle management that can lead to progressive memory exhaustion, particularly in systems with frequent display attachment/detachment operations. The vulnerability affects devices using the samsung-dsim driver for display interfaces and could potentially impact embedded systems, mobile devices, and other platforms where display controllers are managed through this specific driver implementation. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-404: Improper Resource Management or CWE-772: Missing Release of Resource after Effective Lifetime, both of which are critical in kernel space operations where resource leaks can lead to system instability.
The fix implements proper error handling using goto labels to ensure that drm_bridge_remove() is called in all error paths, maintaining consistency with established kernel patterns for resource cleanup. Additionally, the solution addresses the specific case where the TE (Tearing Effect) IRQ registration has already occurred but subsequent operations fail, requiring samsung_dsim_unregister_te_irq() to be called to prevent potential interrupt handler issues. The reordering of function declarations eliminates forward declaration requirements while maintaining functional integrity, demonstrating adherence to kernel coding standards that promote clean code organization and prevent potential compilation issues.
This vulnerability resolution aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation through kernel memory corruption and resource exhaustion attacks, where improper error handling can create persistent memory leaks that attackers might exploit over time. The fix pattern follows established kernel development practices for error handling and resource management, ensuring that all allocated resources are properly released regardless of execution path taken during driver initialization. The solution demonstrates proper defensive programming techniques that prevent resource leaks while maintaining the driver's functional capabilities and system stability.