CVE-2026-43488
Published: May 13, 2026· Updated: May 13, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
usb: xhci: Prevent interrupt storm on host controller error (HCE)
The xHCI controller reports a Host Controller Error (HCE) in UAS Storage
Device plug/unplug scenarios on Android devices. HCE is checked in
xhci_irq() function and causes an interrupt storm (since the interrupt
isn’t cleared), leading to severe system-level faults.
When the xHC controller reports HCE in the interrupt handler, the driver
only logs a warning and assumes xHC activity will stop as stated in xHCI
specification. An interrupt storm does however continue on some hosts
even after HCE, and only ceases after manually disabling xHC interrupt
and stopping the controller by calling xhci_halt().
Add xhci_halt() to xhci_irq() function where STS_HCE status is checked,
mirroring the existing error handling pattern used for STS_FATAL errors.
This only fixes the interrupt storm. Proper HCE recovery requires resetting
and re-initializing the xHC.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-43488 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 (5)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-43488 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts