CVE-2026-72165 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
mtd: rawnand: fix condition in 'nand_select_target()'
'cs' here must be in range [0:nanddev_ntargets[.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's MTD (Memory Technology Device) subsystem affects the raw NAND flash driver implementation within the nand_select_target() function. This issue represents a critical boundary condition error that could potentially lead to memory corruption or privilege escalation attacks. The flaw occurs when the driver fails to properly validate the chip select (cs) parameter against the valid range of available targets for a given NAND device. According to industry standards such as CWE-129, this vulnerability falls under improper validation of array indices, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read or write condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate kernel memory structures.
The technical implementation defect arises from insufficient input validation within the nand_select_target() function where the cs parameter is not properly constrained against the maximum number of available targets defined by nanddev_ntargets. This condition creates a scenario where an attacker could supply a chip select value that exceeds the legitimate range of [0:nanddev_ntargets), potentially causing the kernel to access memory locations outside the intended target boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because NAND flash devices commonly serve as storage mediums for critical system components including boot loaders and firmware images, making this an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to embedded systems.
Operationally, this vulnerability impacts systems utilizing raw NAND flash drivers in embedded environments, automotive applications, network equipment, and IoT devices where the Linux kernel manages flash memory operations. The attack surface extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data corruption, system instability, and denial of service conditions that could affect device functionality. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.003 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) and T1547.001 (Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder) as attackers could leverage the kernel memory corruption to establish persistent backdoors or manipulate system boot processes. The impact is compounded by the fact that many embedded systems lack robust security monitoring capabilities, making exploitation more difficult to detect.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate application of the kernel patch that implements proper bounds checking for the cs parameter against nanddev_ntargets, ensuring that all chip select values are validated before being processed. System administrators should also implement runtime monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous memory access patterns and unauthorized modifications to NAND device drivers. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing secure boot mechanisms that can detect and prevent unauthorized kernel modifications that might exploit this vulnerability. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the NIST SP 800-128 standard for kernel security hardening and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring proper input validation at all kernel entry points. Regular security audits should include verification of NAND device driver implementations to prevent similar boundary condition errors from emerging in other subsystems.
The vulnerability resolution demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel space operations where a single missing bounds check can create significant security implications across multiple domains including embedded systems, automotive electronics, and industrial control environments. This case study reinforces the necessity of comprehensive testing methodologies that include boundary value analysis and formal verification techniques to identify similar flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.