CVE-2026-43104: drm/vc4: Fix a memory leak in hang state error path
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/vc4: Fix a memory leak in hang state error path
When vc4_save_hang_state() encounters an early return condition, it
returns without freeing the previously allocated `kernel_state`,
leaking memory.
Add the missing kfree() calls by consolidating the early return paths
into a single place.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel memory leak in the vc4 graphics driver error path. If a hang-state save operation exits early, allocated kernel memory is not freed. The public record does not provide CVSS, exploitation evidence, or business-impact details, so urgency should be based on asset exposure and vendor kernel guidance.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted kernel maintenance item, not a confirmed emergency. Patch through normal kernel update processes, with higher priority for exposed fleets using affected vc4 graphics paths. The absence of CVSS and exploitation evidence limits urgency confidence.
Technical view
CVE-2026-43104 affects Linux kernel drm/vc4 code. The described flaw is missing kfree() handling for kernel_state in vc4_save_hang_state() early returns. The fix consolidates early returns so cleanup occurs. Public sources identify stable kernel commits but do not describe privilege requirements, triggerability, or exploitability.
Likely exposure
Likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernels with the vc4 DRM code present and reachable. The source bundle lists Linux as affected but provides incomplete operational context, so exposure should be confirmed against kernel version, downstream vendor kernel patches, and whether vc4 is enabled.
Exploitation context
No active exploitation is supported by the supplied evidence. The CVE is not marked KEV, and the source bundle contains no reports of public exploitation or weaponized use. The known impact from the provided description is memory leakage on an error path.
Researcher notes
The public record is sparse: no CWE, CVSS, privilege model, or trigger detail is provided. Analysis should focus on the vc4_save_hang_state() cleanup change and downstream backport status. Do not infer denial-of-service exploitability beyond the documented memory leak.
Mitigation direction
Apply the relevant Linux stable kernel fix from your distribution or kernel vendor.
Prioritize systems where vc4 DRM is enabled or graphics hang handling is relevant.
Track downstream advisories for packaged kernel backports and release notes.
Avoid direct wrangler or deployment actions unrelated to kernel remediation.
If no vendor package exists, follow official kernel stable guidance.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions and downstream package build identifiers.
Check whether drm/vc4 support is enabled, loaded, or compiled into deployed kernels.
Map installed kernels to the referenced stable commits or vendor backports.
Review vendor advisories for fixed package versions and reboot requirements.
Confirm no unsupported custom kernel remains in production.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
May 6, 2026, 07:40 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.