CVE-2026-80933 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

System administrators and security teams responsible for Linux systems using the mt76 driver should assess their exposure and prioritize patching or mitigation efforts to prevent local attacks.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mt76 driver requires attention from system administrators and security teams to prevent potential local attacks and information disclosure.

• Potential local attackers may exploit this vulnerability to read beyond the firmware buffer, which could lead to information disclosure.
• Successful exploitation requires local access and could be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to elevate privileges.
• Defenders should verify that their Linux systems are patched or mitigated to prevent potential exploitation.
• Remediation priority is high for systems using the affected mt76 driver.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the mt76 driver, specifically in the mt7996 module of the Linux kernel. It fails to validate the size of the default EEPROM firmware before parsing and copying it, which can lead to buffer over-reads if a truncated firmware file is provided. The vulnerability can be exploited by providing a truncated firmware file, which can cause the driver to read beyond the firmware buffer during variant validation or fallback copy. Defenders should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability, especially in systems using the affected mt76 driver, to prevent potential local attacks and information disclosure.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability, especially in systems using the affected mt76 driver, to prevent potential local attacks.

Recommended defensive actions

• Patch or update the Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the fix for this vulnerability.
• Review and update system configurations to ensure that only trusted firmware files are used.
• Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts.
• Perform a thorough review of the system to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Implement compensating controls to prevent exploitation.
• Track exceptions and retest remediated assets.
• Verify that the patch has been successfully applied and that the system is no longer vulnerable.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, including its CVSS score and vector. Multiple source references from the Linux kernel Git repository are provided, detailing the patches and commits addressing the issue.

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.