CVE-2026-53402

High

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.

SeverityHigh
CVSS7.1
Exploit probability—
ProductLinux Kernel
PublishedJul 19, 2026
First seenJul 19, 2026

How to fix

Update
  • linux linux_kernel5.10.261, 5.15.212, 6.0, 6.1.178, 6.6.145, 6.12.96, 6.18.39, 7.1.3 or later

Affected products

ProductAffected versionsFixed in
linux linux_kernel5.10.249 ≤ v < 5.10.261, 5.15.64 ≤ v < 5.15.212, 5.19.6 ≤ v < 6.0, 6.0.1 ≤ v < 6.1.178, 6.2 ≤ v < 6.6.145, 6.7 ≤ v < 6.12.96, 6.13 ≤ v < 6.18.39, 6.19 ≤ v < 7.1.3, 6.05.10.261, 5.15.212, 6.0, 6.1.178, 6.6.145, 6.12.96, 6.18.39, 7.1.3

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CVE-2026-53402 · Linux Kernel · Dark Radar