CVE-2026-98411 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
power: sequencing: fix NULL-pointer dereference in pwrseq_device_register()
If dev_set_name() fails in pwrseq_device_register(), we jump to the err_put_pwrseq label before initializing pwrseq->targets. pwrseq_release() will try to iterate over targets unconditionally and subsequently dereference an invalid pointer. Move the call to dev_set_name() after the list head is initialized.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2026
The Linux kernel power sequencing subsystem contains a critical initialization flaw within the pwrseq_device_register function that can lead to a NULL-pointer dereference, resulting in a system crash or denial of service. This vulnerability arises from an incorrect ordering of operations during device registration and cleanup routines. Specifically, when dev_set_name fails, the error handling path jumps to err_put_pwrseq without ensuring that the pwrseq->targets list head has been properly initialized. The subsequent call to pwrseq_release attempts to iterate over this uninitialized or NULL targets list unconditionally, causing a kernel panic due to invalid memory access.
From a technical perspective, this issue represents a classic race condition in initialization logic where error paths do not account for partial state consistency. The dev_set_name function is responsible for assigning a name string to the device structure, and its failure triggers an early exit from the registration process. However, because the list head for targets was not initialized prior to this potential failure point, any cleanup routine that assumes valid data structures will encounter undefined behavior. This type of flaw falls under CWE-476: NULL Pointer Dereference, which occurs when a program attempts to use a pointer that is set to null instead of pointing to a valid object.
The operational impact of this vulnerability includes potential system instability and service disruption on affected Linux systems utilizing the power sequencing framework. An attacker or local user could potentially trigger this condition by causing dev_set_name to fail, such as through resource exhaustion or specific input conditions that lead to allocation failures. While exploitation typically requires some level of control over the environment triggering the failure, the resulting kernel panic can disrupt critical system operations and compromise availability guarantees for services relying on stable power management sequences.
Mitigation strategies involve applying the upstream Linux kernel patch that reorders the initialization steps within pwrseq_device_register. By moving the dev_set_name call after the list head is initialized, the code ensures that even if name assignment fails, the cleanup routine will operate on a valid data structure rather than an uninitialized pointer. System administrators should update their kernels to versions where this fix has been integrated and verify that power sequencing components are functioning correctly under stress conditions. Additionally, developers implementing similar subsystems should adhere to defensive programming practices by ensuring all error paths maintain consistent state expectations for cleanup functions.
This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499: Endpoint Denial of Service, as it involves exploiting a flaw in system software to cause disruption or destruction. Although the primary vector is internal kernel logic rather than external network attacks, the principle remains relevant for understanding how resource management flaws can be leveraged against system stability. Security teams should monitor for updates related to power management subsystems and ensure that patching processes include these specific kernel fixes to maintain robustness against potential denial-of-service scenarios arising from memory safety violations in core infrastructure components.