CVE-2026-98665 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders responsible for Linux kernel-based systems, especially those using the max30102 device, should assess exposure and prioritize patching or mitigation to prevent potential system crashes or instability and possible data loss or corruption. They should also verify and apply the fix for max30102_interrupt_handler, monitor system logs for potential NULL pointer dereference errors, and review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation

Why it matters

Defenders should prioritize patching or mitigating CVE-2026-98665 in Linux kernel-based systems using the max30102 device, as it can cause system crashes or instability and potential data loss.

• Potential system crashes or instability due to NULL pointer dereferences
• Possible data loss or corruption if interrupts occur while no buffer is enabled
• Need for patching or mitigation to prevent exploitation
• Verification of system logs for NULL pointer dereference errors

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's max30102 interrupt handler is vulnerable to a NULL pointer dereference. The interrupt handler is enabled for the lifetime of the device, but the indio_dev->active_scan_mask is only valid when a buffer is enabled. An interrupt occurring while no buffer is enabled causes the handler to dereference the NULL active_scan_mask. This vulnerability was resolved by adding a check for FIFO sample readiness at the top of the interrupt handler. The handler now returns early unless max30102_fifo_count() reports a FIFO sample is ready. Affected Linux kernel-based systems, especially those using the max30102 device, should assess exposure and prioritize patching or mitigation to prevent system crashes or

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability in Linux kernel-based systems, especially those using the max30102 device.

Recommended defensive actions

• Patch or update the Linux kernel to the latest version
• Verify and apply the fix for max30102_interrupt_handler
• Monitor system logs for potential NULL pointer dereference errors
• 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 vulnerability was resolved by adding a check for FIFO sample readiness at the top of the interrupt handler. The handler now returns early unless max30102_fifo_count() reports a FIFO sample is ready.

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.