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CVE Record

CVE-2026-43442: io_uring: fix physical SQE bounds check for SQE_MIXED 128-byte ops

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: io_uring: fix physical SQE bounds check for SQE_MIXED 128-byte ops When IORING_SETUP_SQE_MIXED is used without IORING_SETUP_NO_SQARRAY, the boundary check for 128-byte SQE operations in io_init_req() validated the logical SQ head position rather than the physical SQE index. The existing check: !(ctx->cached_sq_head & (ctx->sq_entries - 1)) ensures the logical position isn't at the end of the ring, which is correct for NO_SQARRAY rings where physical == logical. However, when sq_array is present, an unprivileged user can remap any logical position to an arbitrary physical index via sq_array. Setting sq_array[N] = sq_entries - 1 places a 128-byte operation at the last physical SQE slot, causing the 128-byte memcpy in io_uring_cmd_sqe_copy() to read 64 bytes past the end of the SQE array. Replace the cached_sq_head alignment check with a direct validation of the physical SQE index, which correctly handles both sq_array and NO_SQARRAY cases.

HighCVSS 7.1Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A low-privileged local user can trigger an out-of-bounds kernel read through a specific io_uring configuration. The flaw may expose sensitive kernel memory or crash the system. It is not remotely exploitable according to the supplied CVSS vector, and the bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation.

Executive priority

Prioritize patching multi-user or otherwise untrusted systems where local users can invoke io_uring. Internet exposure alone does not create the stated attack path, but successful local abuse could disclose sensitive memory or interrupt service. Treat exact version determination as an immediate validation task.

Technical view

With SQE_MIXED enabled and NO_SQARRAY absent, an attacker can map a logical queue position to the final physical SQE slot. A 128-byte operation then copies 64 bytes beyond the SQE array because validation used the logical head instead of the physical index. The cited kernel changes validate the physical index directly.

Likely exposure

Exposure requires local, low-privileged access and permission to use the affected io_uring configuration. The bundle identifies Linux 6.19, 6.19.9, and 7.0 as affected, but includes an ambiguous โ€œ0โ€ entry. Confirm exact affected ranges with the Linux or distribution vendor.

Exploitation context

The supplied CVSS score is 7.1, reflecting possible high confidentiality and availability impact without user interaction. KEV is false, and no cited source establishes active exploitation. The available evidence supports potential memory disclosure or system disruption, not integrity compromise or remote attack.

Researcher notes

The defect is a logical-versus-physical index validation error in io_init_req(). It affects 128-byte SQEs when an SQ array can redirect a valid logical position to the final physical slot. The resulting copy reads 64 bytes out of bounds. The bundle supplies fixes but no exploit evidence, CWE assignment, or fully clear version ranges.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply a vendor kernel update containing one of the cited physical-index validation fixes.
  • Confirm distribution advisories because the supplied affected-version data is ambiguous.
  • Restrict unnecessary local accounts and access to affected systems until patched.
  • Review existing controls that limit untrusted use of io_uring.

Validation and detection

  • Record running kernel versions and compare them with vendor advisories for CVE-2026-43442.
  • Verify the installed kernel includes the cited upstream or stable fix.
  • Identify systems where unprivileged users can access io_uring.
  • After updating, reboot where required and confirm the fixed kernel is running.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

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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CVE-2026-43442 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.1 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.1CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H1.85.2Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.1High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2026-43442Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux1cba30bf9fdd6c982708f3587f609a30c370d889, 1cba30bf9fdd6c982708f3587f609a30c370d889unaffected
LinuxLinux6.19, 0, 6.19.9, 7.0affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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