CVE-2026-80954 i3c: Fix unlocked dereference of dev->desc in i3c_device_get_supported_xfer_mode()
A missing lock in the Linux kernel i3c driver allows a null pointer dereference, potentially causing a system crash.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-80954?
CVE-2026-80954 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux, published on 11 Sep 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
i3c: Fix unlocked dereference of dev->desc in i3c_device_get_supported_xfer_mode()
i3c_device_get_supported_xfer_mode() uses dev->desc to obtain the master controller. However, dev->desc must not be dereferenced unless bus->lock is held, and this function does not take that lock.
The function only needs access to the master controller associated with the device's bus. Use dev->bus instead, which is always valid for the lifetime of the device and does not require dereferencing dev->desc.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-80954?
How do I fix CVE-2026-80954?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Is CVE-2026-80954 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-80954 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2026-80954, GHSA-5fmf-26vf-rg68, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-80954.