CVE-2026-43122
Published: May 6, 2026· Updated: May 12, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ACPI: processor: Update cpuidle driver check in __acpi_processor_start()
Commit 7a8c994cbb2d ("ACPI: processor: idle: Optimize ACPI idle
driver registration") moved the ACPI idle driver registration to
acpi_processor_driver_init() and acpi_processor_power_init() does
not register an idle driver any more.
Accordingly, the cpuidle driver check in __acpi_processor_start() needs
to be updated to avoid calling acpi_processor_power_init() without a
cpuidle driver, in which case the registration of the cpuidle device
in that function would lead to a NULL pointer dereference in
__cpuidle_register_device().
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-43122 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-2026-43122 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts