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CVE-2026-64478 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio subsystem can cause a fault when a USB device is disconnected during kobject path lookup, potentially leading to a system crash. This issue is related to the handling of DualSense input devices. The vulnerability has been resolved through a patch that changes the ownership check to avoid building kobject path strings.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-25
Original CVE updated
2026-11-03
Advisory published
2026-07-25
Advisory updated
2026-11-03

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, users of Linux-based systems that utilize the ALSA usb-audio subsystem, security teams, and vulnerability management teams should assess exposure and prioritize patching to prevent potential system crashes.

Why it matters

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio subsystem can cause a fault when a USB device is disconnected during kobject path lookup, potentially leading to a system crash. Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of Linux-based systems that utilize the ALSA usb-audio subsystem should assess exposure and prioritize patching.

  • Potential system crash due to fault in kobject path lookup
  • Denial of service (DoS) due to system crash
  • Need for patching and updating Linux kernel

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by a fault in the kobject path lookup when a USB device is disconnected. The issue arises in the ALSA usb-audio subsystem's handling of DualSense input devices. This can potentially lead to a system crash. The vulnerability has been resolved through a patch that changes the ownership check to avoid building kobject path strings. Linux kernel developers and maintainers should assess the vulnerability and apply the patch to prevent potential system crashes. The patch eliminates the need for kobject path lookup, reducing the risk of faults during USB device disconnection.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review and apply the patch to the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio subsystem
  • Monitor system logs for potential crashes or errors related to the ALSA usb-audio subsystem
  • Ensure that the Linux kernel is up-to-date with the latest security patches
  • Perform vulnerability scanning to identify potentially affected systems
  • Review system configurations for potential weaknesses
  • Implement compensating controls for exposed systems
  • Track patch deployment and verify remediation

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was introduced in the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio subsystem. The issue arises when a USB device is disconnected during kobject path lookup, which can cause a fault. The vulnerability has been resolved through a patch.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-64478 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64478

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

  • CVE-2026-64478 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64478

    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/4246dd043b7a4f8e3bc1d2896e81d11220610eda

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4566bf8ae9dbfe81bdc2ff1702d59db8a233b06e

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/662a1d7b5affc424ea4f4bc20dd99be29e687886

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7693c0cc415f3a16a7a3355f245474a5e661be4e

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a263eb12cbe2e208e6e637df0f9b0be9a484158e

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a47ecd904c51ae6a42957feb3cf2f4266adee2e5

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c1da6d3f45036fa63672ee04ad97cb526b40b987

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e4c66a149c408e44e60bfec3fabf08b6b7abbc60

    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.