CVE-2026-98896: thunderbolt: Keep the domain reference while processing hotplug
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
thunderbolt: Keep the domain reference while processing hotplug
We process hotplug events in a workqueue that may run after the domain has been removed by tbdomainremove(). For example if user unloads the driver while at the same time plugging a device router we may have scheduled tbhandlehotplug() to run. Avoid possible UAF in this case by taking the domain reference before scheduling the hotplug handler in tbqueuehotplug().
Affected Software
Remediation
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In tb_queue_hotplug(), take and retain the domain reference before scheduling tb_handle_hotplug() so hotplug processing cannot use a domain removed by tb_domain_remove().
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
When is this issue most likely to occur?
It can occur when a Thunderbolt device router is plugged in while the Thunderbolt driver is being unloaded. A hotplug handler may have been queued but run only after the associated domain has been removed.
What condition creates the use-after-free risk?
The risk arises when hotplug work executes without retaining a reference to the Thunderbolt domain it uses. If domain removal completes first, the queued handler can access a removed domain.
What can be done if the fix cannot be deployed immediately?
Avoid unloading the Thunderbolt driver at the same time that Thunderbolt devices are being connected or hotplug events are being processed. This reduces exposure to the described race condition.