CVE-2026-97448 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel maintainers, administrators, and users of systems relying on affected kernel versions should verify patching and assess exposure to this vulnerability. The vulnerability affects systems running the Linux kernel with ACPICA, and users should take steps to ensure that their systems are patched and up-to-date. The vulnerability has been addressed, but users must verify patching and assess exposure to prevent potential exploitation.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-97448 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ACPICA. Patching is recommended to prevent potential exploitation.

• Verify patching of Linux kernel versions to prevent potential use-after-free exploitation
• Assess exposure in systems relying on affected kernel versions

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's ACPICA was vulnerable to a use-after-free issue due to a lack of node validation in acpi_ns_build_normalized_path(). This has been resolved by adding validation, which ensures that nodes are not accessed after they have been freed, thereby preventing potential exploitation. The fix has been integrated into the Linux kernel, addressing a critical issue in the ACPICA implementation. Users are advised to verify patching and assess exposure to this vulnerability. The vulnerability was reported and patched, with the fix integrated into the Linux kernel to prevent use-after-free exploitation.

Defensive priority

Verify Linux kernel versions and ACPICA updates to ensure patching; assess exposure in systems relying on affected kernel versions.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify Linux kernel versions for ACPICA patching
• Assess exposure in systems relying on affected kernel versions
• Update to patched kernel versions where available
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• 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
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability and its resolution in the Linux kernel's ACPICA. The vulnerability was addressed by adding validation for nodes in acpi_ns_build_normalized_path() to prevent use-after-free exploitation. The fix has been integrated into the Linux kernel, and users are advised to verify patching and assess exposure. The source references provide additional information on the patch and its implementation.

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.