CVE-2026-31457
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel. A local user can exploit this vulnerability by setting the nr_contexts parameter to zero via the DAMON sysfs interface while DAMON (Data Access MONitor) is active. This improper input validation leads to a NULL pointer dereference, which can cause a system crash and result in a Denial of Service (DoS).
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
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