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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-46236 Linux CVE debrief

A DMA coherency vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Xbox remote driver (xbox_remote) has been resolved. The issue involved a buffer for I/O operations being incorrectly placed within the device structure, violating DMA coherency rules. This could lead to memory corruption or undefined behavior during remote control operations. The fix ensures proper memory allocation for DMA operations by separating the I/O buffer from the device structure.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-05-28
Original CVE updated
2026-05-28
Advisory published
2026-05-28
Advisory updated
2026-05-28

Who should care

Linux system administrators running kernels with the xbox_remote driver loaded; embedded systems using Xbox remote control hardware; security teams monitoring kernel driver vulnerabilities affecting DMA operations

Technical summary

The xbox_remote driver in the Linux kernel media subsystem violated DMA coherency rules by placing an I/O buffer within the device structure. This architectural error could cause memory corruption during DMA operations. The resolution separates the I/O buffer from the device structure to maintain proper DMA coherency. Multiple stable kernel branches received backports of this fix.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review kernel version and apply appropriate stable kernel patch from referenced commits
  • Verify xbox_remote driver is not loaded on systems without Xbox remote hardware
  • Monitor kernel logs for DMA-related warnings on affected systems
  • Consider disabling the xbox_remote module if not required (blacklist xbox_remote)
  • Apply kernel updates through distribution security channels when available

Evidence notes

The vulnerability description indicates this was a DMA coherency violation in the media/rc/xbox_remote driver. Multiple stable kernel commits are referenced, suggesting backports to various kernel versions. The issue was resolved by ensuring the I/O buffer is not part of the device structure, adhering to DMA coherency requirements.

Official resources

public