A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iommu/dma subsystem was fixed to prevent attempts to map zero-length memory regions in swiotlb. (CVE-2026-53164)
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iommu/dma subsystem was fixed to prevent attempts to map zero-length memory regions in swiotlb. The issue occurs when iommu_dma_iova_link_swiotlb() processes an unaligned mapping in three parts and calls iommu_map() with a zero size, which is illegal and causes corruption leading to kernel warnings. This condition is often triggered by certain Thunderbolt NVMe drives using forced SWIOTLB with unaligned memory buffers, such as those from smartctl passthrough commands.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Linux kernel vulnerability (CVE-2026-53164) involves the iommu/dma code where iommu_dma_iova_link_swiotlb() incorrectly attempts to map a zero-length region when processing unaligned memory mappings. This results in an illegal call to iommu_map(), causing corruption of the mapping and kernel WARN_ON triggers during cleanup. The root cause is the failure to check for zero-length regions before mapping and incorrect offset handling during error unwinding. The issue is frequently triggered by Thunderbolt NVMe drives that force SWIOTLB usage with unaligned buffers, such as those used by smartctl passthrough commands.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity but causes a denial of service by triggering kernel warnings and potential instability due to corrupted memory mappings. It affects systems using the Linux kernel with certain Thunderbolt NVMe drives that cause forced SWIOTLB with unaligned memory buffers.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid using affected Thunderbolt NVMe drives with forced SWIOTLB or unaligned buffers if possible. Monitor vendor channels for updates and patches addressing this issue.
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iommu/dma subsystem was fixed to prevent attempts to map zero-length memory regions in swiotlb. (CVE-2026-53164)
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iommu/dma subsystem was fixed to prevent attempts to map zero-length memory regions in swiotlb. The issue occurs when iommu_dma_iova_link_swiotlb() processes an unaligned mapping in three parts and calls iommu_map() with a zero size, which is illegal and causes corruption leading to kernel warnings. This condition is often triggered by certain Thunderbolt NVMe drives using forced SWIOTLB with unaligned memory buffers, such as those from smartctl passthrough commands.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.5medium
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Linux kernel vulnerability (CVE-2026-53164) involves the iommu/dma code where iommu_dma_iova_link_swiotlb() incorrectly attempts to map a zero-length region when processing unaligned memory mappings. This results in an illegal call to iommu_map(), causing corruption of the mapping and kernel WARN_ON triggers during cleanup. The root cause is the failure to check for zero-length regions before mapping and incorrect offset handling during error unwinding. The issue is frequently triggered by Thunderbolt NVMe drives that force SWIOTLB usage with unaligned buffers, such as those used by smartctl passthrough commands.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity but causes a denial of service by triggering kernel warnings and potential instability due to corrupted memory mappings. It affects systems using the Linux kernel with certain Thunderbolt NVMe drives that cause forced SWIOTLB with unaligned memory buffers.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid using affected Thunderbolt NVMe drives with forced SWIOTLB or unaligned buffers if possible. Monitor vendor channels for updates and patches addressing this issue.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-rwq9-95v8-58fq
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-53164"]
- Ecosystems
- []
- Database Specific Severity
- MODERATE
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6a4e4f02c9d9e3dbe328d8a8
Added to database: 07/08/2026, 13:22:10 UTC
Last enriched: 07/08/2026, 13:48:09 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:24:47 UTC
Views: 6
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