CVE-2026-90120 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of affected Linux kernel versions should assess exposure and apply patches to prevent potential memory corruption.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-90120 is a Linux kernel vulnerability that requires patching to prevent potential memory corruption. Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and apply patches.

• Potential memory corruption requires verification and patching to prevent system instability.
• Linux kernel maintainers and users must assess exposure and apply patches.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's irqchip/gic-v5 component has a vulnerability that can lead to out-of-bounds memory corruption when a MADT GICC entry does not correspond to a logical CPU recognized by the kernel. This is due to the unchecked return value of get_logical_index(). The issue has been resolved by adding a check for this return value. The vulnerability requires patching to prevent potential memory corruption. Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and apply patches. Affected product deployments should be identified and prioritized for patching.

Defensive priority

Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and apply patches to prevent potential memory corruption.

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply Linux kernel patches to ensure get_logical_index() return values are checked.
• Assess system exposure and prioritize patching for affected Linux kernel versions.
• Monitor system logs for potential memory corruption indicators.
• Perform vulnerability scanning to identify potentially affected systems.
• Implement compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.
• Review relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability, its CVSS score, and references to the Linux kernel patches. The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of MADT GICC entries that do not correspond to logical CPUs recognized by the kernel, potentially leading to out-of-bounds memory corruption. This issue is resolved by adding a check for the return value of get_logical_index(). Linux kernel maintainers and users should assess exposure and apply patches to prevent potential memory corruption. Evidence is based

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.