CVE-2026-97454 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/24/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ACPICA: add boundary checks in acpi_ps_get_next_field()
Add boundary checks in acpi_ps_get_next_field() to prevent out-of-bounds access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2026
The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification provides a standardized interface for operating systems to discover, configure, and manage hardware components within a computer system. The ACPI Component Architecture (ACPICA) is the reference implementation of this specification used by the Linux kernel to parse ACPI tables and execute control methods defined in them. A critical aspect of processing these tables involves parsing data structures known as Operation Regions, which allow access to various types of device memory or I/O space. Within the parser logic responsible for handling field units, specifically within the acpi_ps_get_next_field function, a lack of sufficient boundary validation was identified. This function is tasked with retrieving information about ACPI fields during the interpretation of control methods and data objects. Without proper checks on the calculated offsets against the total length of the associated buffer or region, the parser could attempt to access memory locations that lie outside the allocated boundaries.
This vulnerability represents a classic out-of-bounds read scenario, categorized under CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration standard. The technical flaw stems from insufficient validation of index calculations before accessing array elements within the ACPI namespace parsing logic. When an attacker or malicious hardware can influence the content of ACPI tables, such as through physical access to modify firmware NVRAM or via a compromised device that exposes ACPI interfaces, they can craft malformed field definitions with offsets pointing beyond the end of the buffer. If the kernel processes these entries without verifying that the start and end positions of the field remain within the valid memory range, it will proceed to read from invalid addresses. This behavior violates fundamental principles of safe memory access and trust boundaries in system software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant due to its potential for causing system instability or facilitating further exploitation. An out-of-bounds read can lead to kernel panics if the accessed memory page is unmapped, resulting in a denial of service against the entire operating system. More critically, reading arbitrary kernel memory allows an attacker to leak sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, process credentials, or other confidential data residing in adjacent memory pages. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082, which involves System Information Discovery through API calls or direct memory access. In scenarios where the vulnerability is combined with other flaws, it could potentially aid in constructing more complex attacks by providing reliable information about kernel layout and loaded modules, thereby reducing the effectiveness of mitigations like KASLR.
Mitigation strategies for this issue primarily involve applying the upstream Linux kernel patches that introduce strict boundary checks within acpi_ps_get_next_field(). System administrators should ensure their systems are updated to a version of the kernel where this fix is included. Additionally, since ACPI tables originate from firmware, it is advisable to keep BIOS and UEFI firmware up to date to prevent malicious modifications at the source level. For environments with high security requirements, enabling IOMMU protection can help mitigate some consequences by restricting direct memory access for devices that might attempt to inject malformed ACPI data. Regular auditing of hardware components and monitoring for unusual kernel log messages related to ACPI parsing errors can also serve as early detection mechanisms for attempted exploitation of this class of vulnerabilities.