CVE-2026-53402Patch(linux / linux_kernel)

LOWCVSS 7.1 · HIGH

Signal is active with 1 mentions in latest observed window

Immediate actions

  • Patch linux linux_kernel systems immediately

Recommended action window: Monitor and triage in normal cycle

NVD description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fbdev: fbcon: fix out-of-bounds read in err_out of fbcon_do_set_font() When fbcon_do_set_font() fails (e.g., due to a memory allocation failure inside vc_resize() under heavy memory pressure), it jumps to the `err_out` label to roll back the console state. However, the current rollback logic forgets to restore the `hi_font` state, leading to a severe state machine corruption. Earlier in the function, `set_vc_hi_font()` might be called to change `vc->vc_hi_font_mask` and mutate the screen buffer. If `vc_resize()` subsequently fails, the `err_out` path restores `vc_font.charcount` but entirely skips rolling back the `vc_hi_font_mask` and the screen buffer. This mismatch leaves the terminal in a desynchronized state. Because `vc_hi_font_mask` remains set, the VT subsystem will still accept character indices greater than 255 from userspace and write them to the screen buffer. Subsequent rendering calls (e.g., `fbcon_putcs()`) will then use these inflated indices to access the reverted, 256-character font array, leading to a deterministic out-of-bounds read and potential kernel memory disclosure. Fix this by adding the missing rollback logic for the `hi_font` mask and screen buffer in the error path.

0.5/ 10 priority

Sources & remediation

Weakness type (CWE)
CWE-125

Priority

LOW

Exploitation

NONE

PoC

NONE

Patch

AVAILABLE

Momentum

NONE

Are you affected?

If you run products in this scope, you should treat this CVE as relevant to your environment.

  • linux_kernel

Threat summary

  • Patch or workaround signal is available
  • 1 mentions across 1 observed day

What's happening

  • Patch or workaround mentioned in 1 signal
  • Technical details provided in 1 signal
  • 1 total mentions across 1 day

Affected systems

Vendors
Products
linux_kernel

1 version affected across 1 product

Deep dive

Activity timeline1 mentions / 1d
00111Mentions · 2026-07-20: 1Patch / Workaround · 2026-07-20: 1Technical Details · 2026-07-20: 107-20
Signal classification1 categories
Patch
1100.0%
Referenced assets1 URL
Full discourse1 post
  • Windows Forum@windowsforum
    Patch

    🛡️ Linux’s console font changer can leak kernel memory when things go wrong. Native Windows is safe, but Linux VMs, appliances, and custom-kernel WSL 2 installs need a patch—not a prettier terminal. https://windowsforum.com/threads/cve-2026-53402-fix-linux-fbcon-kernel-memory-disclosure.439562/?utm_source=x&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=news_node84 #LinuxSecurity #Fbcon #KernelVulnerabilities #Wsl2 https://t.co/1rdiRNYnhM

    Post summary

    The post alerts that CVE‑2026‑53402 enables kernel memory disclosure through the Linux console font changer and stresses the need for a patch on Linux VMs, appliances, and WSL 2.

    0000019
    1.3K followersView on X
CPE platform detail7 entries

7 of 7 entries

PartVendorProductVersionTarget SWTarget HW
OSlinuxlinux_kernel---
OSlinuxlinux_kernel6.0--
OSlinuxlinux_kernel6.0--
OSlinuxlinux_kernel6.0--
OSlinuxlinux_kernel6.0--
OSlinuxlinux_kernel6.0--
OSlinuxlinux_kernel6.0--

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