CVE-2026-98825 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution maintainers, and users of affected Linux kernel versions should assess exposure and apply patches or proper error handling.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's rtc: mpfs driver requires attention from Linux kernel developers, maintainers, and users of affected versions to assess exposure and apply patches or proper error handling to prevent potential system crashes.

• Potential system crash due to error pointer dereference
• Need for verification of Linux kernel versions and exposure
• Priority for applying patches or implementing proper error handling

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's rtc: mpfs driver has a vulnerability due to an unchecked devm_clk_get() error pointer being passed to clk_get_rate(). This can lead to a potential crash if an error pointer is dereferenced. The vulnerability requires attention from Linux kernel developers and maintainers to assess exposure and apply patches or proper error handling to prevent potential system crashes. The fix involves capturing the clock in the existing 'clk' local and checking it with IS_ERR() before calling clk_get_rate(), matching the handling already used for the 'rtc' clock in this same function.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the provided patches to the Linux kernel
• Verify the Linux kernel version and check for exposure
• Implement proper error handling for devm_clk_get() in the rtc: mpfs driver
• 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 CVE record and source item provide details on the vulnerability, including its description and affected versions. However, the corpus does not establish versions, exploitation, impact, or remediation, which require verification from the supplied official sources.

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.