Evidence-led vulnerability intelligence · 2026-07-25 15:47 IST

CVE-2026-64373

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cpufreq: Fix hotplug-suspend race during reboot During system reboot, cpufreq_suspend() is called via the kernel_restart() -> device_shutdown() path. Unlike the normal system suspend path, the reboot path does not call freeze_processes(), so userspace processes and kernel threads remain active. This allows CPU hotplug operations to run concurrently with cpufreq_suspend(). The original code has no synchronization with CPU hotplug, leading to a race condition where governor_data can be freed by the hotplug path while cpufreq_suspend() is still accessing it, resulting in a null pointer dereference: Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference Call Trace: do_kernel_fault+0x28/0x3c cpufreq_suspend+0xdc/0x160 device_shutdown+0x18/0x200 kernel_restart+0x40/0x80 arm64_sys_reboot+0x1b0/0x200 Fix this by adding cpus_read_lock()/cpus_read_unlock() to cpufreq_suspend() to block CPU hotplug operations while suspend is in progress. [ rjw: Changelog edits ]

MEDIUM · 4.7Linux

Executive briefing

The source record describes: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cpufreq: Fix hotplug-suspend race during reboot During system reboot, cpufreq_suspend() is called via the kernel_restart() -> device_shutdown() path. Unlike the normal system suspend path, the reboot path does not call freeze_processes(), so userspace processes and kernel threads remain active. This allows CPU hotplug operations to run concurrently with cpufreq_suspend(). The original code has no synchronization with CPU hotplug, leading to a race condition where governor_data can be freed by the hotplug path while cpufreq_suspend() is still accessing it, resulting in a null pointer dereference: Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference Call Trace: do_kernel_fault+0x28/0x3c cpufreq_suspend+0xdc/0x160 device_shutdown+0x18/0x200 kernel_restart+0x40/0x80 arm64_sys_reboot+0x1b0/0x200 Fix this by adding cpus_read_lock()/cpus_read_unlock() to cpufreq_suspend() to block CPU hotplug operations while suspend is in progress. [ rjw: Changelog edits ] 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

4.7 / 10 · 3.1

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

Attack vectorL
Attack complexityH
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-362

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) 6.19; before 7.1.4 · CPE version 5.4 · CPE version 5.4 · CPE version 5.4 · CPE version 5.4 · CPE version 5.4 · CPE version 5.4

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

Open NVD record ← Back to CVE Watch

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