CVE-2026-43240: x86/kexec: add a sanity check on previous kernel's ima kexec buffer

Published May 6, 2026
·
Updated

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

x86/kexec: add a sanity check on previous kernel's ima kexec buffer

When the second-stage kernel is booted via kexec with a limiting command line such as "mem=<size>", the physical range that contains the carried over IMA measurement list may fall outside the truncated RAM leading to a kernel panic.

BUG: unable to handle page fault for address: ffff97793ff47000 RIP: imarestoremeasurementlist+0xdc/0x45a #PF: errorcode(0x0000) – not-present page

Other architectures already validate the range with pageisram(), as done in commit cbf9c4b9617b ("of: check previous kernel's ima-kexec-buffer against memory bounds") do a similar check on x86.

Without carrying the measurement list across kexec, the attestation would fail.

Affected Software

6 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.0<6.1.165
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.128
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.75
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.16
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.6

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Linux kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch cbf9c4b9617b

Event History

May 6, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:28 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:28 AM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43240?

CVE-2026-43240 has been classified with a severity level that indicates a potential risk to system integrity during kernel boot operations.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43240?

To resolve CVE-2026-43240, update to the latest stable version of the Linux kernel that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-43240?

CVE-2026-43240 affects x86 architectures running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel utilizing the kexec feature.

4

What does CVE-2026-43240 involve?

CVE-2026-43240 involves a lack of sanity checks on the previous kernel's ima kexec buffer, potentially leading to security issues.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-43240?

A temporary workaround for CVE-2026-43240 may involve avoiding the use of kexec until a patch can be applied.

Contact

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