Evidence-led vulnerability intelligence · 2026-06-29 11:46 IST

CVE-2026-53325

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: agp/amd64: Fix broken error propagation in agp_amd64_probe() A NULL pointer dereference was observed in the AMD64 AGP driver when running in a virtualized environment (e.g. qemu/kvm) without a physical AMD northbridge. The crash occurs in amd64_fetch_size() when attempting to dereference the pointer returned by node_to_amd_nb(0). The root cause of this crash is broken error propagation in agp_amd64_probe(): When no AMD northbridges are found, cache_nbs() correctly returns -ENODEV. However, the probe function erroneously checks the return value against exactly -1, rather than < 0. As a result, the hardware absence error is masked, allowing the driver to improperly proceed with initialization. It eventually calls agp_add_bridge(), which invokes amd64_fetch_size(). Since the hardware does not exist, node_to_amd_nb(0) returns NULL, leading to a General Protection Fault (GPF) when accessing its ->misc member. Fix the issue by correcting the error check in agp_amd64_probe() to abort properly when cache_nbs() returns any negative error code. This prevents the driver from erroneously proceeding without hardware, thereby avoiding the subsequent NULL pointer dereference at its source.

MEDIUM · 5.5Linux

Executive briefing

The source record describes: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: agp/amd64: Fix broken error propagation in agp_amd64_probe() A NULL pointer dereference was observed in the AMD64 AGP driver when running in a virtualized environment (e.g. qemu/kvm) without a physical AMD northbridge. The crash occurs in amd64_fetch_size() when attempting to dereference the pointer returned by node_to_amd_nb(0). The root cause of this crash is broken error propagation in agp_amd64_probe(): When no AMD northbridges are found, cache_nbs() correctly returns -ENODEV. However, the probe function erroneously checks the return value against exactly -1, rather than < 0. As a result, the hardware absence error is masked, allowing the driver to improperly proceed with initialization. It eventually calls agp_add_bridge(), which invokes amd64_fetch_size(). Since the hardware does not exist, node_to_amd_nb(0) returns NULL, leading to a General Protection Fault (GPF) when accessing its ->misc member. Fix the issue by correcting the error check in agp_amd64_probe() to abort properly when cache_nbs() returns any negative error code. This prevents the driver from erroneously proceeding without hardware, thereby avoiding the subsequent NULL pointer dereference at its source. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.

Assessment: Potential exposure only — validate the installed product, exact version, configuration and vendor applicability before treating an asset as confirmed vulnerable.

Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict

Severity & attack characteristics

5.5 / 10 · 3.1

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

Attack vectorL
Attack complexityL
Privileges requiredL
User interactionN
ScopeU
Confidentiality impactN
Integrity impactN
Availability impactH

Technical explanation & impact

The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.

Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.

Weakness classification

CWE-476

Affected products and versions

Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.

VendorProductVersion evidence
linuxlinux_kernelfrom (inclusive) 7.1; before 7.1.2

Remediation & validation

  1. Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
  2. Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
  3. Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
  4. Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.

No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.

Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references

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Threat intelligence, made actionable · CVE data sourced from the NVD