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CVE-2026-53028 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's USB Type-C subsystem. The issue arises from a failure to properly handle error pointers, which could lead to a dereference of a possible ERR_PTR(). This vulnerability has been resolved with the addition of an early return and a fix for a spelling mistake in the error message. The vulnerability is located in the cd321x_update_work() function. The variable tps->partner is checked for an error pointer, but if it is an error pointer, the function sends an error message but does not return. Instead, it attempts to dereference tps->partner a few lines below. This could potentially lead to a crash or other unexpected behavior.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-06-24
Original CVE updated
2026-07-15
Advisory published
2026-06-24
Advisory updated
2026-07-15

Who should care

System administrators and users of Linux-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability, especially those using affected kernel versions. They should review the Linux kernel's USB Type-C subsystem, specifically the cd321x_update_work() function, and check for affected kernel versions.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is located in the Linux kernel's USB Type-C subsystem, specifically in the cd321x_update_work() function. The variable tps->partner is checked for an error pointer, but if it is an error pointer, the function sends an error message but does not return. Instead, it attempts to dereference tps->partner a few lines below. This could potentially lead to a crash or other unexpected behavior. The fix involves adding an early return when tps->partner is an error pointer.

Defensive priority

Medium-High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Inventory affected systems and apply the provided patches or updates.
  • Monitor Linux kernel updates for further information on affected versions.
  • Consider implementing compensating controls, such as enhanced monitoring, for systems that cannot be immediately patched.
  • Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.
  • Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed.
  • 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.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-06-24T17:17:14.200Z and was last modified on 2026-07-10T19:24:19.850Z. The NVD entry is currently Awaiting Analysis. The vulnerability was detected by Smatch, a static analysis tool. To verify, defenders should review the Linux kernel's USB Type-C subsystem, specifically the cd321x_update_work() function, and check for affected kernel versions.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-53028 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-53028

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-53028 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53028

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/19951118fb22b5ad512379ee64510fe0e2c40eb3

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9e31082f92c913d74fefb4e60cd0284e605ba3a3

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f2529d08fcb429ea01bb87c326342f41483f8b2f

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67

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.