CVE-2026-72013: riscv: Prevent NULL pointer dereference in machine_kexec_prepare()

Published Aug 15, 2026

Updated

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

riscv: Prevent NULL pointer dereference in machinekexecprepare()

A NULL pointer dereference issue is noticed in riscv's machinekexecprepare(), where image->segment[i].buf might be NULL and copied unchecked.

The NULL buf comes from imaaddkexecbuffer(), where kbuf is added by kexecaddbuffer(), but kbuf.buffer is NULL, then it is copied without a check in machinekexecprepare():

kexecfileload -> kimagefileallocinit() -> kimagefilepreparesegments() -> imaaddkexecbuffer() -> kexecaddbuffer() -> machinekexecprepare() -> memcpy()

Address this by adding a check before the data copy attempt.

Affected Software

201 affected componentsFixes available

Linux Linux kernel

ubuntu/linux-hwe-edge*

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.0*

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.3*

ubuntu/linux-azure*

ubuntu/linux-azure-5.3*

ubuntu/linux-azure-edge*

ubuntu/linux-gcp*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.3*

ubuntu/linux-gke-4.15*

ubuntu/linux-gke-5.4*

ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.4*

ubuntu/linux-hwe*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-edge*

ubuntu/linux-oem*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.0*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.3*

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.11*

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.15<5.15.0-1117.124~20.04.1

5.15.0-1117.124~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.8*

ubuntu/linux-azure-5.11*

ubuntu/linux-azure-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-azure-5.15<5.15.0-1123.132~20.04.1

5.15.0-1123.132~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-azure-5.8*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-5.15<5.15.0-1122.131~20.04.1

5.15.0-1122.131~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.11*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.15<5.15.0-1118.128~20.04.1

5.15.0-1118.128~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.8*

ubuntu/linux-gke*

ubuntu/linux-gke-5.15*

ubuntu/linux-gkeop*

ubuntu/linux-gkeop-5.15*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.11*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.15<5.15.0-198.208~20.04.1

5.15.0-198.208~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.8*

ubuntu/linux-ibm-5.15<5.15.0-1111.115~20.04.1

5.15.0-1111.115~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-intel-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg-5.15<5.15.0-1112.118~20.04.1

5.15.0-1112.118~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.15<5.15.0-195.205~20.04.1

5.15.0-195.205~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra-5.15*

ubuntu/linux-oem-5.10*

ubuntu/linux-oem-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-oem-5.6*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.11*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.13*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.15<5.15.0-1114.120~20.04.1

5.15.0-1114.120~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.8*

ubuntu/linux-raspi2*

ubuntu/linux-riscv*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.11*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.15<5.15.0-1111.115~20.04.1

5.15.0-1111.115~20.04.1

ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.8*

ubuntu/linux<5.15.0-198.208

5.15.0-198.208

ubuntu/linux-allwinner-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-aws<5.15.0-1117.124

5.15.0-1117.124

ubuntu/linux-aws-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-aws-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-aws-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-aws-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-azure<5.15.0-1123.132

5.15.0-1123.132

ubuntu/linux-azure-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-azure-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-azure-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-azure-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde<5.15.0-1122.131

5.15.0-1122.131

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-gcp<5.15.0-1118.128

5.15.0-1118.128

ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-gke<5.15.0-1113.119

5.15.0-1113.119

ubuntu/linux-gkeop<5.15.0-1100.108

5.15.0-1100.108

ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-ibm<5.15.0-1111.115

5.15.0-1111.115

ubuntu/linux-ibm-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime*

ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg<5.15.0-1112.118

5.15.0-1112.118

ubuntu/linux-kvm<5.15.0-1109.114

5.15.0-1109.114

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency<5.15.0-195.205

5.15.0-195.205

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia<5.15.0-1112.113

5.15.0-1112.113

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra-igx*

ubuntu/linux-oem-5.17*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.0*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.1*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-oracle<5.15.0-1114.120

5.15.0-1114.120

ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-raspi*

ubuntu/linux-realtime*

ubuntu/linux-riscv*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-starfive-5.19*

ubuntu/linux-starfive-6.2*

ubuntu/linux-starfive-6.5*

ubuntu/linux-xilinx-zynqmp<5.15.0-1080.84

5.15.0-1080.84

ubuntu/linux-bluefield<5.15.0-1101.103

5.15.0-1101.103

ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime<5.15.0-1109.111

5.15.0-1109.111

ubuntu/linux-realtime<5.15.0-1116.125

5.15.0-1116.125

ubuntu/linux-realtime-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-aws-fips*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fips*

ubuntu/linux-fips*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips*

ubuntu/linux-aws-fips<5.15.0-1117.124+fips1

5.15.0-1117.124+fips1

ubuntu/linux-azure-fips<5.15.0-1123.132+fips1

5.15.0-1123.132+fips1

ubuntu/linux-fips<5.15.0-198.208+fips1

5.15.0-198.208+fips1

ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips<5.15.0-1118.128+fips1

5.15.0-1118.128+fips1

ubuntu/linux<6.8.0-147.147

6.8.0-147.147

ubuntu/linux-aws<6.8.0-1067.70

6.8.0-1067.70

ubuntu/linux-aws-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-aws-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-aws-7.0<7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1

7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1

ubuntu/linux-azure<6.8.0-1071.79

6.8.0-1071.79

ubuntu/linux-azure-6.11*

ubuntu/linux-azure-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-azure-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-azure-7.0<7.0.0-1017.17~24.04.1

7.0.0-1017.17~24.04.1

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde<6.8.0-1069.76

6.8.0-1069.76

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-7.0<7.0.0-1016.16~24.04.1

7.0.0-1016.16~24.04.1

ubuntu/linux-azure-nvidia*

ubuntu/linux-azure-nvidia-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-gcp<6.8.0-1071.79

6.8.0-1071.79

ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.11*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-gcp-7.0<7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1

7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1

ubuntu/linux-gke<6.8.0-1066.74

6.8.0-1066.74

ubuntu/linux-gkeop<6.8.0-1052.56

6.8.0-1052.56

ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.11*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-hwe-7.0<7.0.0-38.38~24.04.4

7.0.0-38.38~24.04.4

ubuntu/linux-ibm<6.8.0-1067.68

6.8.0-1067.68

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency<6.8.0-147.147.1

6.8.0-147.147.1

ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-6.11*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.11*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-7.0*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-lowlatency*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-tegra*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.11*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-oem-6.8*

ubuntu/linux-oracle<6.8.0-1064.67

6.8.0-1064.67

ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-oracle-7.0<7.0.0-1013.13~24.04.1

7.0.0-1013.13~24.04.1

ubuntu/linux-raspi*

ubuntu/linux-raspi-realtime*

ubuntu/linux-realtime*

ubuntu/linux-riscv*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-riscv-7.0<7.0.0-38.38.1~24.04.1

7.0.0-38.38.1~24.04.1

ubuntu/linux-xilinx*

ubuntu/linux-bluefield<6.8.0-1033.38

6.8.0-1033.38

ubuntu/linux-raspi-realtime*

ubuntu/linux-realtime<6.8.1-1062.63

6.8.1-1062.63

ubuntu/linux-realtime-6.14*

ubuntu/linux-realtime-6.17*

ubuntu/linux-aws-fips<6.8.0-1067.70+fips1

6.8.0-1067.70+fips1

ubuntu/linux-azure-fips<6.8.0-1071.79+fips1

6.8.0-1071.79+fips1

ubuntu/linux-fips<6.8.0-147.147+fips1

6.8.0-147.147+fips1

ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips<6.8.0-1071.79+fips1

6.8.0-1071.79+fips1

ubuntu/linux<7.0.0-38.38

7.0.0-38.38

ubuntu/linux-aws<7.0.0-1014.14

7.0.0-1014.14

ubuntu/linux-azure<7.0.0-1017.17

7.0.0-1017.17

ubuntu/linux-azure-fde<7.0.0-1016.16

7.0.0-1016.16

ubuntu/linux-gcp<7.0.0-1014.14

7.0.0-1014.14

ubuntu/linux-gke<7.0.0-1008.9

7.0.0-1008.9

ubuntu/linux-ibm<7.0.0-1015.15

7.0.0-1015.15

ubuntu/linux-nvidia*

ubuntu/linux-nvidia-bos*

ubuntu/linux-oem-7.0<7.0.0-1015.15

7.0.0-1015.15

ubuntu/linux-oracle<7.0.0-1013.13

7.0.0-1013.13

ubuntu/linux-raspi*

ubuntu/linux-realtime<7.0.0-38.38.1

7.0.0-38.38.1

ubuntu/linux-riscv<7.0.0-38.38.1

7.0.0-38.38.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1117.124~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1123.132~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1122.131~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1118.128~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-hwe-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-198.208~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1111.115~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1112.118~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-lowlatency-hwe-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-195.205~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1114.120~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-riscv-5.15 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1111.115~20.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-198.208
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1117.124
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1123.132
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fde to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1122.131
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1118.128
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gke to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1113.119
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gkeop to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1100.108
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1111.115
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-intel-iotg to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1112.118
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-kvm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1109.114
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-lowlatency to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-195.205
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-nvidia to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1112.113
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1114.120
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-xilinx-zynqmp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1080.84
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-bluefield to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1101.103
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-intel-iot-realtime to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1109.111
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-realtime to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1116.125
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1117.124+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1123.132+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-198.208+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 5.15.0-1118.128+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-147.147
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1067.70
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1071.79
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1017.17~24.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fde to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1069.76
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1016.16~24.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1071.79
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1014.14~24.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gke to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1066.74
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gkeop to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1052.56
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-hwe-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-38.38~24.04.4
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1067.68
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-lowlatency to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-147.147.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1064.67
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1013.13~24.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-riscv-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-38.38.1~24.04.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-bluefield to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1033.38
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-realtime to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.1-1062.63
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1067.70+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1071.79+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-147.147+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp-fips to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 6.8.0-1071.79+fips1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-38.38
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-aws to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1014.14
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1017.17
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-azure-fde to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1016.16
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gcp to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1014.14
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-gke to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1008.9
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-ibm to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1015.15
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oem-7.0 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1015.15
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-oracle to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-1013.13
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-realtime to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-38.38.1
Upgrade
Upgrade ubuntu/linux-riscv to a version that resolves this vulnerability.
Fixed in 7.0.0-38.38.1
Compensating control
In riscv's machine_kexec_prepare(), add a NULL check for image->segment[i].buf before the memcpy() data copy attempt.

Event History

Aug 15, 2026

CVE Published

via MITRE·05:51 AM

Data Sourced

via MITRE·05:51 AM

Description

Data Sourced

via NVD·06:21 AM

Description

Data Sourced

via OSV·06:21 AM

DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2026-72013?

The severity of CVE-2026-72013 is rated at risk 18.

How do I fix CVE-2026-72013?

To fix CVE-2026-72013, update the Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-72013?

CVE-2026-72013 affects systems running the riscv architecture within the Linux kernel.

What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-72013?

The nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-72013 is a NULL pointer dereference in machine_kexec_prepare() which can lead to potential crashes.

When was CVE-2026-72013 published?

CVE-2026-72013 was published on August 15, 2026.

CVE-2026-72013: riscv: Prevent NULL pointer dereference in machine_kexec_prepare()

Affected Software

Remediation

Event History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2026-72013?

How do I fix CVE-2026-72013?

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-72013?

What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2026-72013?

When was CVE-2026-72013 published?

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