CVE-2026-97905 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers, administrators, and security teams should review and apply the patch, verify the cpufreq subsystem configuration, and monitor sysfs attributes for unusual activity. Affected operators and platforms may be vulnerable to information disclosure through sysfs attributes, and vulnerability management teams should prioritize patching and monitoring of exposed systems.

Why it matters

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's cpufreq subsystem allows for a potential information disclosure. Linux kernel developers and administrators should review and apply the patch, verify the cpufreq subsystem configuration, and monitor sysfs attributes for unusual activity.

• Potential information disclosure through sysfs attributes
• Verification of cpufreq subsystem configuration required

Technical summary

The cpufreq_policy_alloc() function allocates memory for the policy->cpus cpumask without initializing it, which can lead to garbage values being exposed through sysfs attributes. This vulnerability can be mitigated by using zalloc_cpumask_var() for policy->cpus. Linux kernel developers and administrators should review and apply the patch, verify the cpufreq subsystem configuration, and monitor sysfs attributes for unusual activity to address the vulnerability effectively. Affected systems may be vulnerable to information disclosure through sysfs attributes.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the patch to the Linux kernel
• Verify the cpufreq subsystem configuration
• Monitor sysfs attributes for unusual activity
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
• 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

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was resolved by using zalloc_cpumask_var() for policy->cpus. The CVE record and NVD entry provide details on the vulnerability. To verify, defenders should review the cpufreq subsystem configuration, monitor sysfs attributes for unusual activity, and confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments.

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.