Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52 rtw88 fw.c rtw_fw_adaptivity_result edcca_th null pointer dereference

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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7.0$0-$5k0.00+

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability categorized as critical has been discovered in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52. The affected element is the function rtw_fw_adaptivity_result of the file fw.c of the component rtw88. Executing a manipulation of the argument edcca_th can lead to null pointer dereference. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2026-97516. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52. This vulnerability affects the function rtw_fw_adaptivity_result of the file fw.c of the component rtw88. The manipulation of the argument edcca_th with an unknown input leads to a null pointer dereference vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-476. A NULL pointer dereference occurs when the application dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid, but is NULL, typically causing a crash or exit. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: rtw88: Add NULL check for chip->edcca_th in rtw_fw_adaptivity_result() It was recently reported that rtw_fw_adaptivity_result() in fw.c dereferences rtwdev->chip->edcca_th without a NULL check. The issue is that devices with the 8821CE chip don't define edcca_th in their chip info. As a result, when rtw_fw_adaptivity_result() tries to dereference it, the kernel triggers an oops. Add a NULL check for edcca_th before dereferencing it in rtw_fw_adaptivity_result() in fw.c. Placing the check at the function entry avoids logging any garbage values. This change does not address the root cause for this behavior, but it prevents the NULL dereference and the resulting oops while a more permanent solution is developed. Tested on a 8822CE chip which defines edcca_th, so this issue is not present on it, but it still uses this driver and I can verify there are no regressions.

The advisory is available at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-97516 since 09/24/2026. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. Technical details are known, but there is no available exploit. The structure of the vulnerability defines a possible price range of USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 09/24/2026).

Upgrading to version 6.12.111 or 6.18.53 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 6fa23cafaf30f4877e357f8eebcff00dff4aa9cb/1d1f250432cd8704c3c125168887f9724021c81a/d5e6f353ce1e1c25b8458ea390ed09d2377412c5 is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.

Productinfo

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Version

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.0

VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 7.0
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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💳💳💳💳💳💳
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Null pointer dereference
CWE: CWE-476 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.12.111/6.18.53
Patch: 6fa23cafaf30f4877e357f8eebcff00dff4aa9cb/1d1f250432cd8704c3c125168887f9724021c81a/d5e6f353ce1e1c25b8458ea390ed09d2377412c5

Timelineinfo

09/24/2026 Advisory disclosed
09/24/2026 +0 days CVE reserved
09/24/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/24/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-97516 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-97516
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-409690

Entryinfo

Created: 09/24/2026 20:13
Changes: 09/24/2026 20:13 (61)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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