CVE-2026-72077 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Input: ims-pcu - fix firmware leak in async update
The firmware object was not being released if validation failed. Use __free(firmware) to ensure the firmware is always released.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability resides within the linux kernel's input subsystem specifically in the ims-pcu driver component which handles communication with certain wireless devices. This issue represents a classic resource management flaw that falls under the category of memory leaks as defined by weakness enumeration CWE-401. The problem manifests during asynchronous firmware updates where the driver fails to properly release allocated firmware objects when validation processes encounter failures. The root cause stems from improper error handling within the firmware update pathway, creating a scenario where allocated memory remains unreleased even when operations do not complete successfully.
The technical implementation flaw occurs in the async firmware update logic where the driver allocates firmware resources but does not consistently execute cleanup routines when validation checks fail. This creates a persistent memory leak that accumulates over time as multiple failed validation attempts occur during normal device operation or during system updates. The vulnerability specifically affects systems utilizing ims-pcu hardware components and demonstrates poor resource lifecycle management that violates fundamental principles of secure coding practices. The flaw enables attackers to potentially consume system resources through repeated failed firmware update attempts, leading to degraded performance or denial of service conditions.
Operationally this vulnerability creates a persistent memory consumption issue that can lead to system instability over extended periods of operation. While the immediate impact may appear limited to memory leaks, the cumulative effect of unreleased firmware objects can degrade system performance and potentially contribute to broader resource exhaustion scenarios. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns identified in the attack tree framework where resource exhaustion attacks can be leveraged to create denial of service conditions or system instability. Network administrators should consider this when assessing system resilience against sustained resource consumption attacks.
The recommended mitigation involves implementing proper error handling that ensures firmware objects are consistently released regardless of validation outcomes. The solution requires modifying the driver code to utilize __free(firmware) calls in all error paths, ensuring that allocated firmware resources are properly deallocated even when validation fails. This approach aligns with secure coding guidelines that emphasize resource management best practices and proper cleanup procedures. System administrators should prioritize applying kernel updates that contain this fix, particularly in environments where ims-pcu devices are actively used or where resource exhaustion vulnerabilities pose significant operational risks. The fix represents a standard defensive programming technique that prevents memory leaks by ensuring all allocated resources are properly freed in error conditions.