CVE-2026-31739 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders responsible for Linux systems, particularly those using the tegra crypto driver, should assess exposure and prioritize patching affected versions. Additionally, defenders should verify system logs for anomalies and review compensating controls for exposed systems. Linux system administrators and security teams should also be aware of the vulnerability and its potential impact on system security.

Why it matters

Defenders should care about CVE-2026-31739 because it affects the Linux kernel's tegra crypto driver, potentially leading to system crashes. Roles responsible for Linux system administration and security should assess exposure, prioritize patching, and verify system logs for anomalies.

• Potential system crashes due to improper algorithm selection by the crypto API.
• Need for verification of Linux kernel versions to identify potential exposure.
• Priority for applying patches to prevent exploitation.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's tegra crypto driver did not set the CRYPTO_ALG_ASYNC flag on its asynchronous algorithms. This caused the crypto API to select these algorithms for users requesting only synchronous algorithms, leading to system crashes. The issue was fixed by adding the CRYPTO_ALG_ASYNC flag. The tegra crypto driver is used in Linux systems, and its vulnerability could lead to system crashes if exploited. The fix involves adding the missing flag to the driver's algorithms, similar to other drivers, and removing unnecessary flags.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying and applying patches for the tegra crypto driver in Linux kernel versions that are affected by this vulnerability.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify and apply patches for the tegra crypto driver in affected Linux kernel versions.
• Inventory Linux systems for versions that may be affected by this vulnerability.
• Monitor system logs for potential crashes related to the tegra crypto driver.
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.

Evidence notes

The source corpus provides details about the vulnerability in the Linux kernel's tegra crypto driver and its resolution. Official sources include CVE Program and NVD records. The CVE record was published on 2026-05-01T14:14:35.551Z and has not been modified since then. The source item provides additional information about the vulnerability. The NVD detail page offers source-specific vulnerability assessment. The issue was resolved by adding the missing CRYPTO_ALG_ASYNC flag to the tegra crypto driver.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.