CVE-2026-53403: fbdev: Fix fb_new_modelist to prevent null-ptr-deref in fb_videomode_to_var
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fbdev: Fix fbnewmodelist to prevent null-ptr-deref in fbvideomodetovar
info->var, a framebuffer's current mode, is expected to have a matching entry in info->modelist. vartodisplay() relies on this and treats a failed fbmatchmode() as "This should not happen". fbsetvar() keeps it true by adding the mode to the list on every change, and doregisterframebuffer() does the same at registration.
storemodes() replaces the modelist from userspace. fbnewmodelist() validates the new modes but does not check that info->var still has a match. It relies on fbconnewmodelist() to re-point consoles, but that only handles consoles mapped to the framebuffer. With fbcon unbound there are none, so info->var is left describing a mode that is no longer in the list.
A later console takeover runs vartodisplay(), where fbmatchmode() returns NULL and leaves fbdisplay[i].mode NULL. fbconswitch() passes it to displaytovar(), and fbvideomodetovar() dereferences the NULL mode.
Keep the current mode in the list in fbnewmodelist(), the same way fbsetvar() does.
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-53403?
CVE-2026-53403 has a medium severity rating of 5.5 based on the CVSS version 3.1.
How do I fix CVE-2026-53403?
To fix CVE-2026-53403, apply the available patch provided in the Linux kernel updates.
What does CVE-2026-53403 affect?
CVE-2026-53403 affects the Linux kernel's framebuffer device driver, specifically related to null pointer dereference issues.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-53403?
CVE-2026-53403 is classified as a Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability.
When was CVE-2026-53403 published?
CVE-2026-53403 was published on July 19, 2026.