CVE-2026-42546: OP-TEE has missing OPTEE_MSG_ATTR_TYPE_MASK in cleanup_shm_refs() leaks mobj references
OP-TEE is a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) designed as companion to a non-secure Linux kernel running on Arm; Cortex-A cores using the TrustZone technology. Starting in version 3.3.0 and prior to version 4.11.0, a resource leak exists in OP-TEE’s shared memory cleanup logic because the function cleanupshmrefs() in core/tee/entrystd.c fails to apply a required bitmask (OPTEEMSGATTRTYPEMASK) to parameter attributes. When processing non-contiguous memory parameters from a normal-world caller, the system fails to match the attribute type in its internal switch statement and skips the necessary mobjput() call. This results in a persistent reference leak of mobjregshm objects, which remain on internal lists with dangling refcounts. This affects non-FF-A configurations that support non-contiguous, non-secure shared memory. Over time, these accumulated leaks progressively consume the secure-world heap, degrading the system's ability to service trusted application operations and eventually requiring a reboot to recover. Version 4.11.0 contains a patch. No known workarounds are available.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
OP-TEEto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.11.0 - Upgrade
Upgrade
OP-TEE (core/tee/entry_std.c)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch missing OPTEE_MSG_ATTR_TYPE_MASK in cleanup_shm_refs() leaks mobj references
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-42546?
The severity of CVE-2026-42546 is rated low, with a score of 3.8.
How do I fix CVE-2026-42546?
To fix CVE-2026-42546, upgrade OP-TEE to version 4.11.0 or later.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-42546?
CVE-2026-42546 is a resource leak vulnerability in OP-TEE's shared memory cleanup logic.
Which versions of OP-TEE are affected by CVE-2026-42546?
Versions of OP-TEE from 3.3.0 to prior 4.11.0 are affected by CVE-2026-42546.
What is the impact of CVE-2026-42546?
The impact of CVE-2026-42546 includes leaking mobj references in OP-TEE, which can affect system resources.