CVE-2026-53403: fbdev: Fix fb_new_modelist to prevent null-ptr-deref in fb_videomode_to_var

Published Jul 19, 2026
·
Updated

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

13 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.12.1<5.10.260
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.211
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.177
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.144
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.95
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.38
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<7.1.3
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc5

Event History

Jul 19, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:02 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:02 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

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.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-53403?

To fix CVE-2026-53403, apply the available patch provided in the Linux kernel updates.

3

What does CVE-2026-53403 affect?

CVE-2026-53403 affects the Linux kernel's framebuffer device driver, specifically related to null pointer dereference issues.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-53403?

CVE-2026-53403 is classified as a Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability.

5

When was CVE-2026-53403 published?

CVE-2026-53403 was published on July 19, 2026.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203