CVE-2026-10670: User-triggerable kernel NULL-pointer dereference (DoS) in `k_thread_name_copy()` syscall verifier
The CONFIGUSERSPACE verification handler for the kthreadnamecopy() system call (zvrfykthreadnamecopy() in kernel/thread.c) calls kobjectfind() on the caller-supplied thread pointer and then dereferences the returned struct kobject without checking it for NULL. kobjectfind() returns NULL whenever the supplied pointer is not a registered (static or dynamic) kernel object.
The pre-fix guard tested thread == NULL instead of ko == NULL, so an unprivileged user-mode thread that invokes kthreadnamecopy() with any non-NULL but unregistered pointer (e.g. an arbitrary address) passes the NULL test, after which the verifier reads ko->type through a NULL pointer.
Because the syscall verifier runs in supervisor mode, this NULL dereference is a kernel-mode fault that halts or reboots the system, allowing untrusted user code to crash the kernel across the userspace security boundary (denial of service). The marshaller passes the thread argument to the verifier without any prior KSYSCALLOBJ validation, so the bad pointer reaches the defect directly.
The flaw affects builds with CONFIGUSERSPACE and CONFIGTHREADNAME enabled and has been present since the special-case lookup was introduced around v2.0.0; it is present in v4.4.0 and earlier. The fix changes the guard to check the kobjectfind() return value (ko == NULL) before dereferencing it.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
kernel/thread.c (z_vrfy_k_thread_name_copy)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in v4.4.0 and earlier - Compensating control
Mitigate denial-of-service by preventing untrusted users from invoking the k_thread_name_copy() syscall verifier path (e.g., restrict access to the syscall or run with CONFIG_USERSPACE disabled).
- Operational
After applying the guard fix, restart the affected systems/instances to ensure the updated kernel code is loaded.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-10670?
CVE-2026-10670 has a medium severity score of 5.5.
How do I fix CVE-2026-10670?
To fix CVE-2026-10670, ensure that the kernel is updated to a patched version that addresses the NULL-pointer dereference issue.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-10670?
CVE-2026-10670 affects the Linux kernel when CONFIG_USERSPACE and CONFIG_THREAD_NAME are enabled.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-10670?
CVE-2026-10670 is categorized as a null pointer dereference leading to a denial of service (DoS).
What could be the impact of CVE-2026-10670?
The impact of CVE-2026-10670 can result in a denial of service by crashing the kernel due to user-triggered actions.