CVE-2026-68213: media: rtl2832_sdr: Return queued buffers on start_streaming() failure
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: rtl2832sdr: Return queued buffers on startstreaming() failure
The vb2 framework hands buffers to the driver via bufqueue() before calling startstreaming(). If startstreaming() returns an error without first returning those buffers via vb2bufferdone(), vb2startstreaming() fires WARNON(ownedbydrvcount) and the queued buffers leak.
rtl2832sdrstartstreaming() had multiple error paths that hit this trap: two direct early returns (-ENODEV, -ERESTARTSYS), plus six goto err paths covering subdev spower, tuner setup, ADC setup, stream-buffer allocation, urb allocation, and urb submission failures. None of them returned the queued buffers.
The original function had no distinct success exit and fell straight through into the err label, which previously only did mutexunlock and "return ret". Adding queued-buffer cleanup at err must therefore be paired with an explicit success return; otherwise every successful start would also drain the buffer queue and kill streaming. Add that success return, then add rtl2832sdrcleanupqueuedbufs() at the err label and before each early return.
The cleanup helper takes a vb2bufferstate argument so that the startstreaming error paths can pass VB2BUFSTATEQUEUED (as expected by userspace on startstreaming failure) while stopstreaming keeps its existing VB2BUFSTATEERROR semantics.
This mirrors the uvcvideo fix in commit 4cf3b6fd54eb ("media: uvcvideo: Return queued buffers on startstreaming() failure").
The err label still does not roll back powerctrl(), frontendctrl(), the POWERON flag, or stream/URB allocations that may have happened before the failing step. Those are pre-existing leaks of a different class and are not addressed here.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
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ubuntu/linux-riscvto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 7.0.0-38.38.1 - Compensating control
In rtl2832_sdr_start_streaming(), add an explicit successful return path before the err label, and call rtl2832_sdr_cleanup_queued_bufs(VB2_BUF_STATE_QUEUED) at the err label and before each early return (-ENODEV and -ERESTARTSYS), so queued buffers are returned via vb2_buffer_done() when startup fails without draining them after successful startup.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-68213?
CVE-2026-68213 has a severity rating of 11, indicating a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel's media subsystem.
How do I fix CVE-2026-68213?
To fix CVE-2026-68213, you should update your Linux kernel to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-68213?
The potential impacts of CVE-2026-68213 include disrupted data streaming and potential denial of service in media applications relying on the rtl2832_sdr driver.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-68213?
Users of the Linux kernel who utilize the rtl2832_sdr driver in media applications are affected by CVE-2026-68213.
When was CVE-2026-68213 published?
CVE-2026-68213 was published on August 10, 2026.