CVE-2026-31732
Published: May 1, 2026· Updated: May 7, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
gpio: Fix resource leaks on errors in gpiochip_add_data_with_key()
Since commit aab5c6f20023 ("gpio: set device type for GPIO chips"),
`gdev->dev.release` is unset. As a result, the reference count to
`gdev->dev` isn't dropped on the error handling paths.
Drop the reference on errors.
Also reorder the instructions to make the error handling simpler.
Now gpiochip_add_data_with_key() roughly looks like:
>>> Some memory allocation. Go to ERR ZONE 1 on errors.
>>> device_initialize().
gpiodev_release() takes over the responsibility for freeing the
resources of `gdev->dev`. The subsequent error handling paths
shouldn't go through ERR ZONE 1 again which leads to double free.
>>> Some initialization mainly on `gdev`.
>>> The rest of initialization. Go to ERR ZONE 2 on errors.
>>> Chip registration success and exit.
>>> ERR ZONE 2. gpio_device_put() and exit.
>>> ERR ZONE 1.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-31732 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 5.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (3)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-31732 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts