CVE-2026-53042: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fwctl: Fix class init ordering to avoid NULL pointer dereference on device remova...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fwctl: Fix class init ordering to avoid NULL pointer dereference on device removal CXL is linked before fwctl in drivers/Makefile. Both use `module_init, so `cxl_pci_driver_init()` runs first. When `cxl_pci_probe()` calls `fwctl_register()` and then `device_add()`, fwctl_class is not yet registered because fwctl_init() hasn't run, causing `class_to_subsys()` to return NULL and skip knode_class initialization. On device removal, `class_to_subsys()` returns non-NULL, and `device_del()` calls `klist_del()` on the uninitialized knode, triggering a NULL pointer dereference.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.17%

6.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

References

Timeline

Published: Jun 24, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 24, 2026
Status: Received

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-53042?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fwctl: Fix class init ordering to avoid NULL pointer dereference on device removal CXL is linked before fwctl in drivers/Makefile. Both use `module_init, so `cxl_pci_driver_init()` runs first. When `cxl_pci_probe()` calls `fwctl_register()` and then `device_add()`, fwctl_class is not yet registered because fwctl_init() hasn't run, causing `class_to_subsys()` to return NULL and skip knode_class initialization. On device removal, `class_to_subsys()` returns non-NULL, and `device_del()` calls `klist_del()` on the uninitialized knode, triggering a NULL pointer dereference.

How severe is CVE-2026-53042?

Severity scoring for CVE-2026-53042 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-53042?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.