CVE-2026-43043: crypto: af-alg - fix NULL pointer dereference in scatterwalk

Published May 1, 2026
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

crypto: af-alg - fix NULL pointer dereference in scatterwalk

The AFALG interface fails to unmark the end of a Scatter/Gather List (SGL) when chaining a new afalgtsgl structure. If a sendmsg() fills an SGL exactly to MAXSGLENTS, the last entry is marked as the end. A subsequent sendmsg() allocates a new SGL and chains it, but fails to clear the end marker on the previous SGL's last data entry.

This causes the crypto scatterwalk to hit a premature end, returning NULL on sgnext() and leading to a kernel panic during dereference.

Fix this by explicitly unmarking the end of the previous SGL when performing sgchain() in afalgalloctsgl().

Affected Software

15 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.38<5.10.253
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.203
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.168
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.134
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.81
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.22
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.12
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc6
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.190-16.12.107-16.12.115-27.2.12-17.2.15-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.176-1Fixed in 6.1.190-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 6.12.113-1Fixed in 7.2.12-1Fixed in 7.2.13-1

Event History

May 1, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43043?

CVE-2026-43043 has a medium severity rating due to the potential for a NULL pointer dereference in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43043?

To fix CVE-2026-43043, you should apply the latest patch or update for your Linux kernel as provided by your distribution.

3

What systems are impacted by CVE-2026-43043?

CVE-2026-43043 affects the Linux kernel through the AF_ALG interface, impacting various Linux-based systems.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2026-43043?

The impact of CVE-2026-43043 can lead to a denial of service due to potential system crashes caused by a NULL pointer dereference.

5

When was CVE-2026-43043 disclosed?

CVE-2026-43043 was disclosed as part of security updates in the Linux kernel addressing vulnerabilities.

Contact

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