CVE-2026-68223 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: meson: vdec: Fix memory leak in error path of vdec_open
The vdec_open() function previously jumped directly to err_m2m_release when vdec_init_ctrls() failed, skipping release of the m2m context. This caused a resource leak.
Fix it by introducing a proper err_m2m_ctx_release label that calls v4l2_m2m_ctx_release(sess->m2m_ctx) before releasing the m2m device.
This was identified via kmemleak: unreferenced object 0xffff0000205d6878 (size 8): comm "v4l_id", pid 5289, jiffies 4294938580 hex dump (first 8 bytes): 40 d2 49 18 00 00 ff ff @.I..... backtrace (crc d3204599): kmemleak_alloc+0xc8/0xf0 __kvmalloc_node_noprof+0x60c/0x850 v4l2_ctrl_handler_init_class+0x1b4/0x2e8 [videodev]
vdec_open+0x1f4/0x788 [meson_vdec]
v4l2_open+0x144/0x460 [videodev]
chrdev_open+0x1ac/0x500 do_dentry_open+0x3f0/0xfe8 vfs_open+0x68/0x320 do_open+0x2d8/0x9a8 path_openat+0x1d0/0x4f0 do_filp_open+0x190/0x380 do_sys_openat2+0xf8/0x1b0 __arm64_sys_openat+0x13c/0x1e8 invoke_syscall+0xdc/0x268 el0_svc_common.constprop.0+0x178/0x258 do_el0_svc+0x4c/0x70
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
The vulnerability resides within the meson vdec driver of the linux kernel, specifically in the vdec_open() function where a memory leak occurs during error handling. This flaw represents a classic resource management issue that can lead to progressive system degradation and potential denial of service conditions. The problem manifests when vdec_init_ctrls() fails during device initialization, causing the function to jump directly to err_m2m_release without properly cleaning up the m2m context. This improper error path execution results in memory allocated for the m2m context remaining unreleased, creating a persistent resource leak that accumulates over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling logic within the driver's initialization sequence. When vdec_init_ctrls() encounters an error condition, it fails to return control to a proper cleanup routine that would release all allocated resources including the m2m context. The kmemleak analysis reveals the specific memory footprint of this leak showing an unreferenced object of 8 bytes with backtrace pointing directly to v4l2_ctrl_handler_init_class and vdec_open functions. This memory leak pattern aligns with CWE-404, which describes improper resource release or reclaim, specifically manifesting as a failure to properly dispose of kernel memory allocations during error conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption issues to potentially compromise system stability and performance. As the memory leak accumulates over time through repeated device open operations, it can lead to increased system memory pressure and eventually cause system instability or complete denial of service for video decoding operations. The meson vdec driver serves critical functions in video processing applications, particularly on embedded systems where memory resources are constrained. This vulnerability affects the v4l2 subsystem's ability to properly manage device contexts during error conditions, creating a persistent threat that can accumulate without immediate detection.
The fix implemented addresses this issue by introducing a dedicated error handling label err_m2m_ctx_release that properly calls v4l2_m2m_ctx_release(sess->m2m_ctx) before proceeding with the m2m device release. This approach follows established kernel development practices for proper resource cleanup and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490 which covers resource exhaustion attacks. The solution ensures that all allocated memory contexts are properly released regardless of where an error occurs during initialization, preventing the accumulation of leaked resources that could eventually impact system performance. This remediation maintains the existing functionality while ensuring robust error handling that prevents resource leakage through proper cleanup sequencing. The fix specifically targets the v4l2_m2m framework's context management and ensures that all m2m contexts are properly disposed of during error conditions, thereby maintaining system stability and preventing potential exploitation through resource exhaustion attacks.