Evidence-led vulnerability intelligence · 2026-09-16 16:47 IST

CVE-2026-90043

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: zram: fix slot lock bit position on big-endian 64-bit The slot lock is a bit operation on the whole __lock word, which flags and ac_time alias as two u32s. On little-endian the lock bit lands in the position ZRAM_ENTRY_LOCK reserves in flags, so the aliasing works out. On 64-bit big-endian it lands in ac_time instead: with ZRAM_TRACK_ENTRY_ACTIME enabled, storing the access time from mark_slot_accessed() or slot_free() wipes out the held lock bit, letting another CPU take the same slot lock; an access time value with that bit set makes the slot look locked forever. Shift the lock bit into the flags half of the word on big-endian 64-bit.

HIGH · 7.8Linux

Executive briefing

The source record describes: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: zram: fix slot lock bit position on big-endian 64-bit The slot lock is a bit operation on the whole __lock word, which flags and ac_time alias as two u32s. On little-endian the lock bit lands in the position ZRAM_ENTRY_LOCK reserves in flags, so the aliasing works out. On 64-bit big-endian it lands in ac_time instead: with ZRAM_TRACK_ENTRY_ACTIME enabled, storing the access time from mark_slot_accessed() or slot_free() wipes out the held lock bit, letting another CPU take the same slot lock; an access time value with that bit set makes the slot look locked forever. Shift the lock bit into the flags half of the word on big-endian 64-bit. 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: Low Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict

Severity & attack characteristics

7.8 / 10 · 3.1

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

Attack vectorL
Attack complexityL
Privileges requiredL
User interactionN
ScopeU
Confidentiality impactH
Integrity impactH
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.

Affected products and versions

NVD has not supplied machine-readable vulnerable CPE product/version entries for this CVE. This is an information gap, not proof that no products are affected. Check the vendor advisory references below.

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

Information gaps & confidence notes

These gaps indicate missing source data. CVE Watch does not fill them with guessed product, exploit or patch details.

Last enrichment: 2026-11-09T12:06:01+00:00 · Source last modified: 2026-10-19T09:18:52.590

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