CVE-2026-80696
Linux · Kernel
The Linux kernel ltc4282 hardware monitoring driver contains an out-of-bounds access vulnerability due to a missing return statement when reading the minimum alarm voltage.
Executive summary
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel ltc4282 driver allows an authenticated local attacker to achieve high-impact system compromise through out-of-bounds memory access.
Vulnerability
This is an out-of-bounds access flaw within the ltc4282 hardware monitoring driver. The vulnerability requires a local user with low privileges to interact with the device driver, potentially leading to information disclosure, data corruption, or system instability.
Business impact
Successful exploitation of this kernel-level vulnerability can lead to a complete compromise of system integrity and confidentiality. Given the CVSS score of 7.8, this flaw represents a significant risk to servers and workstations that allow local user access. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges or cause a kernel panic, leading to unauthorized data access or critical service disruption.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Update the Linux kernel to version 6.12.103, 6.18.44, 7.1.8, or a later stable release provided by your distribution vendor.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor system logs for unexpected kernel oops or hardware monitoring driver errors that may indicate failed or ongoing exploitation attempts.
Compensating Controls: Restrict access to hardware monitoring device nodes or sensitive sysfs interfaces to only authorized administrative users to limit the attack surface.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: Unknown.
Analyst recommendation
This high-severity kernel vulnerability requires prompt attention, particularly in multi-user environments where local access is provided. System administrators should prioritize testing and deploying the stable kernel patches identified above. Failure to apply these updates leaves the system susceptible to local privilege escalation or denial-of-service attacks.