CVE-2026-43431
Published: May 8, 2026· Updated: May 12, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
xhci: Fix NULL pointer dereference when reading portli debugfs files
Michal reported and debgged a NULL pointer dereference bug in the
recently added portli debugfs files
Oops is caused when there are more port registers counted in
xhci->max_ports than ports reported by Supported Protocol capabilities.
This is possible if max_ports is more than maximum port number, or
if there are gaps between ports of different speeds the 'Supported
Protocol' capabilities.
In such cases port->rhub will be NULL so we can't reach xhci behind it.
Add an explicit NULL check for this case, and print portli in hex
without dereferencing port->rhub.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-43431 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-43431 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts