CVE-2026-68254 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/i915/vrr: require valid min/max vfreq for VRR
Ensure the EDID provided min/max vfreq are valid. Most scenarios are already covered (by coincidence) through the checks in intel_vrr_is_capable() and intel_vrr_is_in_range(), but be more explicit about it. At worst, a zero min_vfreq could lead to a division by zero in intel_vrr_compute_vmax().
Discovered using AI-assisted static analysis confirmed by Intel Product Security.
(cherry picked from commit 1765cf59f517b02f3b0591fe5120930d08bddeb6)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2026
The vulnerability under discussion affects the intel i915 graphics driver within the Linux kernel ecosystem, specifically addressing Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) functionality implementation. This issue resides in the display subsystem where the driver processes Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) information to configure VRR capabilities for connected displays. The flaw represents a potential denial of service condition that could compromise system stability when handling malformed EDID data containing invalid vertical frequency parameters.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate validation of minimum and maximum vertical frequency values provided in EDID data structures. While existing code contained some protective measures through checks in intel_vrr_is_capable() and intel_vrr_is_in_range() functions, these safeguards were not comprehensive enough to prevent all potential failure scenarios. The most critical risk occurs when a zero value is provided for min_vfreq parameter, which would subsequently trigger a division by zero error within the intel_vrr_compute_vmax() function during VRR computation operations. This mathematical error represents a classic software vulnerability pattern that can lead to system crashes or unexpected behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it could potentially allow malicious actors to craft specially formatted EDID data that exploits this division by zero condition. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing Intel graphics hardware with VRR capabilities and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can create significant security implications in kernel-level drivers. Attackers could theoretically leverage this weakness to cause system crashes or potentially escalate privileges if the driver lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms.
The fix implemented addresses this issue through explicit validation of min/max vertical frequency values extracted from EDID data, ensuring these parameters meet required criteria before proceeding with VRR configuration. This approach aligns with established security principles for input validation and defensive programming practices. The solution follows industry standards such as CWE-362 (Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization) and CWE-398 (Indicator of Poor Code Quality) while addressing ATT&CK technique T1499.004 (Endpoint Denial of Service) through proper error handling mechanisms. The patch was identified through AI-assisted static analysis tools, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern automated vulnerability detection methods in identifying kernel-level security issues. This remediation ensures that invalid EDID data cannot cause system-wide disruptions and maintains the stability of graphics subsystem operations across various Intel GPU configurations.
The implementation of explicit validation checks represents a defensive programming approach that prevents potential exploitation while maintaining backward compatibility with legitimate EDID data formats. This vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation in kernel space drivers where malformed data could lead to critical system failures, reinforcing the need for rigorous security testing and code review processes in operating system components.