CVE-2026-64314: crypto: chacha20poly1305 - validate poly1305 template argument
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
crypto: chacha20poly1305 - validate poly1305 template argument
chachapolycreate() still accepts the compatibility poly1305 parameter in the template name, but it assumes the second template argument is always present and immediately passes it to strcmp().
When the argument is missing, cryptoattralgname() returns an error pointer. Check for that before comparing the name so malformed template instantiations fail with an error instead of dereferencing the error pointer in strcmp().
This matches the surrounding Crypto API template pattern where cryptoattralgname() results are validated before string-specific use.
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What access does an attacker need to trigger this issue?
The CVSS vector indicates local access and low privileges are required. No user interaction is needed.
What is the impact of successful exploitation?
A malformed ChaCha20-Poly1305 Crypto API template instantiation can cause the kernel to dereference an error pointer in strcmp(), resulting in a denial of service. The supplied CVSS vector rates availability impact as high, with no confidentiality or integrity impact.
How can affected systems be remediated?
Apply the available Linux kernel patch. The fix validates the Poly1305 template argument before comparing its name, causing malformed instantiations to return an error rather than dereference an invalid pointer.