CVE-2026-72352 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
HID: bpf: Fix hid_bpf_get_data() range check
hid_bpf_get_data() returns a pointer into the HID-BPF context data when the caller-provided offset and size fit inside ctx->allocated_size.
The current check adds rdwr_buf_size and offset before comparing the result against ctx->allocated_size. Since both values are unsigned, a very large size can wrap the sum below ctx->allocated_size and make the helper return a pointer even though the requested range is not contained in the backing buffer.
Use check_add_overflow() to reject wrapped range ends before comparing the requested range end against ctx->allocated_size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel relates to a critical flaw in the HID-BPF subsystem that affects how the hid_bpf_get_data() helper function validates memory access ranges. This issue exists within the kernel's input handling mechanisms that process human interface device data through eBPF programs, creating potential pathways for memory corruption and privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the range checking logic used when validating buffer access requests from eBPF programs executing in the context of HID devices.
The technical flaw stems from improper unsigned integer arithmetic handling in the range validation code. When hid_bpf_get_data() processes a caller-provided offset and size parameter, it performs a comparison between the sum of these values and the allocated buffer size. However, due to the use of unsigned integers, when the size parameter is extremely large, the addition operation causes integer overflow, resulting in an unexpectedly small computed value that passes the validation check despite the actual memory access being out-of-bounds. This overflow condition occurs because the code does not properly validate that the arithmetic operation will not wrap around the maximum value representable by unsigned integers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential vector for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers could craft malicious eBPF programs that exploit this integer overflow to access memory regions outside the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure, arbitrary code execution, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with HID-BPF support where eBPF programs are executed in response to human interface device events, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems and devices with extensive input handling capabilities.
The fix implemented addresses this issue by replacing the vulnerable range check with a proper overflow detection mechanism using check_add_overflow() function. This approach ensures that the addition of rdwr_buf_size and offset parameters is validated for potential integer overflow before any comparison against the allocated buffer size occurs. The solution aligns with security best practices for handling unsigned arithmetic operations and prevents the wraparound condition that allowed malicious inputs to bypass validation checks. This remediation follows established cybersecurity principles for preventing integer overflow vulnerabilities, which are commonly categorized as CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound) and represent a fundamental class of memory safety issues.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through kernel exploits, specifically leveraging the T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell) tactics. The fix demonstrates proper defensive programming practices that align with the principle of least privilege and input validation, ensuring that kernel subsystems properly validate all memory access operations before granting access to sensitive buffer regions. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch to systems running affected Linux kernels, particularly those handling human interface devices or executing untrusted eBPF programs, as the vulnerability represents a significant risk to system integrity and security posture.