CVE-2026-53380 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: rzv2h-ivc: Fix concurrent buffer list access
The list of buffers (`rzv2h_ivc::buffers.queue`) is protected by a spinlock (`rzv2h_ivc::buffers.lock`). However, in `rzv2h_ivc_transfer_buffer()`, which runs in a separate workqueue, the `list_del()` call is executed without holding the spinlock, which makes it possible for the list to be concurrently modified
Fix that by removing a buffer from the list in the lock protected section.
[assign ivc->buffers.curr in critical section as reported by Barnabas]
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2026
The vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel's media subsystem specifically in the rzv2h-ivc driver implementation where concurrent access to buffer management structures creates potential for race conditions and system instability. This flaw manifests in the improper handling of buffer list operations within the interrupt context, where the driver maintains a queue of buffers managed through the rzv2h_ivc::buffers.queue structure protected by a spinlock rzv2h_ivc::buffers.lock. The fundamental issue arises from the asynchronous nature of workqueue execution in conjunction with spinlock protection mechanisms, creating a window where critical data structures can be accessed without proper synchronization guarantees.
The technical flaw occurs during the rzv2h_ivc_transfer_buffer() function execution which operates within a separate workqueue context rather than the primary interrupt handler. While the spinlock protects the buffer list during most operations, the specific implementation fails to acquire the lock before executing list_del() operations on the rzv2h_ivc::buffers.queue structure. This creates a classic race condition scenario where multiple execution paths can simultaneously modify the same data structure without proper mutual exclusion, potentially leading to memory corruption, buffer overruns, or system crashes. The vulnerability directly violates standard concurrency control principles and represents a clear violation of the atomicity requirement for critical sections in concurrent programming.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption as it affects the entire media processing pipeline within the Linux kernel's hardware abstraction layer. When concurrent buffer list modifications occur, the system may experience unpredictable behavior including kernel panics, device driver failures, or denial of service conditions that can affect multimedia applications and hardware acceleration features. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where any instability can cascade into broader system failures. Attackers could potentially exploit this race condition to cause system crashes or in more sophisticated scenarios, achieve privilege escalation by manipulating the buffer management structures. This aligns with attack patterns described in the attack tree framework where concurrent modification vulnerabilities are classified as medium to high severity threats.
The fix implements proper synchronization by ensuring that all buffer list modifications occur within the protected spinlock section, specifically addressing the reported issue of improper buffer queue management. The solution requires that the ivc->buffers.curr assignment and related buffer removal operations be executed entirely within the critical section protected by the spinlock. This approach aligns with established security practices for kernel-level concurrency control and follows the principle of minimal lock acquisition to prevent deadlocks while ensuring data integrity. The remediation directly addresses the root cause by eliminating the window where concurrent access could occur, thereby resolving the race condition that was enabling potential exploitation. This fix demonstrates proper adherence to the Common Weakness Enumeration standard CWE-362 for concurrent execution using locks and the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, ensuring that system integrity is maintained during buffer management operations.
The resolution represents a fundamental improvement in kernel security posture by strengthening the concurrency control mechanisms within media device drivers. This vulnerability fix contributes to broader security resilience in Linux systems where multimedia processing capabilities are utilized, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The implementation follows established kernel development practices and security hardening guidelines that emphasize proper resource management and synchronization primitives. By ensuring all buffer list operations occur within appropriate lock contexts, the fix prevents unauthorized access patterns that could lead to system compromise or denial of service conditions. This remediation approach exemplifies best practices for kernel-level security hardening and demonstrates the importance of comprehensive code review processes in identifying subtle concurrency issues that may not be immediately apparent during initial development phases.