CVE-2026-31744
Published: May 1, 2026· Updated: May 7, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
PM: EM: Fix NULL pointer dereference when perf domain ID is not found
dev_energymodel_nl_get_perf_domains_doit() calls
em_perf_domain_get_by_id() but does not check the return value before
passing it to __em_nl_get_pd_size(). When a caller supplies a
non-existent perf domain ID, em_perf_domain_get_by_id() returns NULL,
and __em_nl_get_pd_size() immediately dereferences pd->cpus
(struct offset 0x30), causing a NULL pointer dereference.
The sister handler dev_energymodel_nl_get_perf_table_doit() already
handles this correctly via __em_nl_get_pd_table_id(), which returns
NULL and causes the caller to return -EINVAL. Add the same NULL check
in the get-perf-domains do handler.
[ rjw: Subject and changelog edits ]
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-31744 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 (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-31744 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts