CVE-2026-64565 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel users, system administrators, and security teams should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to protect their systems. Affected operators should review system configurations and ensure secure USB device handling. Vulnerability management teams should verify Linux kernel versions and check for updates. Security teams should monitor system logs for suspicious activity and review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Asset inventory management should track exceptions and retest remediated assets. The vulnerability is in the Linux kernel and could allow an attacker to trigger a control flow hijack. Linux kernel users should verify their systems are updated and review system configurations to ensure secure USB device handling. Security teams should monitor system logs for suspicious activity and review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Asset inventory management should track exceptions and retest remediated assets. The vulnerability is in the Linux kernel and could allow an attacker to trigger a control flow hijack. Linux kernel users should verify their systems are updated and review system configurations to ensure secure USB device handling. Security teams should monitor system logs for suspicious activity and review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Asset inventory management should track exceptions and retest remediated assets. The vulnerability is in the Linux kernel and could allow an attacker to trigger a control flow hijack. Linux kernel users should verify their systems are updated and review system configurations to ensure secure USB device handling. Security teams should monitor system logs for suspicious activity and review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Asset inventory management should track exceptions and retest remediated assets. The vulnerability is in the Linux kernel and could allow an attacker to trigger a control flow hijack. Linux kernel users should verify their systems are updated and review system

Technical summary

The CVE-2026-64565 vulnerability is related to a heap-buffer-overflow in the ims_pcu_process_data() function of the Linux kernel. The function processes incoming URB data byte by byte but fails to check if the read_pos index exceeds IMS_PCU_BUF_SIZE. This could allow an attacker to overwrite the read_pos itself to arbitrarily control the index, leading to a heap buffer overflow. The manipulated read_pos is subsequently used in ims_pcu_handle_response() to copy data into cmd_buf, leading to a potential control flow hijack.

Defensive priority

This vulnerability is in the Linux kernel and could allow an attacker to trigger a control flow hijack. Linux kernel users should verify their systems are updated.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify Linux kernel version and check for updates
• Review system configurations and ensure secure USB device handling
• Monitor system logs for suspicious activity
• 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.
• Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed.
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2026-64565 vulnerability is related to a heap-buffer-overflow in the ims_pcu_process_data() function of the Linux kernel. The function processes incoming URB data byte by byte but fails to check if the read_pos index exceeds IMS_PCU_BUF_SIZE. This could allow an attacker to overwrite the read_pos itself to arbitrarily control the index, leading to a heap buffer overflow. The manipulated read_pos is subsequently used in ims_pcu_handle_response() to copy data into cmd_buf, leading to a potential control flow hijack.

Official resources