In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vc_screen: fix null-ptr-deref in vcs_notifier() during concurrent vcs_write A… (CVE-2026-53385)
A null pointer dereference vulnerability was identified and resolved in the Linux kernel's vc_screen component, specifically in the vcs_notifier() function during concurrent vcs_write operations. The issue arises from a race condition where the vc_data pointer may become NULL after re-acquiring a lock, but the code still calls vcs_scr_updated() with this NULL pointer, causing a null pointer dereference. This vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (system crash).
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a race condition in the vcs_write() function where the vc_data pointer obtained from vcs_vc() can become stale and NULL after temporarily dropping and re-acquiring the console_lock. Despite the NULL pointer, vcs_scr_updated(vc) is still called, leading to a null pointer dereference in the notifier chain (vcs_notifier dereferences param->vc). The fix adds a NULL check before calling vcs_scr_updated() to prevent this dereference.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability results in a null pointer dereference that can cause a denial of service by crashing the kernel. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity according to the available data.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. The vulnerability has been resolved in the Linux kernel source by adding a NULL check before calling vcs_scr_updated(). Users should monitor official Linux kernel advisories for patches addressing this issue and apply them when available.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: vc_screen: fix null-ptr-deref in vcs_notifier() during concurrent vcs_write A… (CVE-2026-53385)
Description
A null pointer dereference vulnerability was identified and resolved in the Linux kernel's vc_screen component, specifically in the vcs_notifier() function during concurrent vcs_write operations. The issue arises from a race condition where the vc_data pointer may become NULL after re-acquiring a lock, but the code still calls vcs_scr_updated() with this NULL pointer, causing a null pointer dereference. This vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (system crash).
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.5medium
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a race condition in the vcs_write() function where the vc_data pointer obtained from vcs_vc() can become stale and NULL after temporarily dropping and re-acquiring the console_lock. Despite the NULL pointer, vcs_scr_updated(vc) is still called, leading to a null pointer dereference in the notifier chain (vcs_notifier dereferences param->vc). The fix adds a NULL check before calling vcs_scr_updated() to prevent this dereference.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability results in a null pointer dereference that can cause a denial of service by crashing the kernel. There is no impact on confidentiality or integrity according to the available data.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. The vulnerability has been resolved in the Linux kernel source by adding a NULL check before calling vcs_scr_updated(). Users should monitor official Linux kernel advisories for patches addressing this issue and apply them when available.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-3f5p-6w75-ppf6
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-53385"]
- Ecosystems
- []
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6a5d27ad2a4a8d59891325d0
Added to database: 07/19/2026, 19:38:21 UTC
Last enriched: 07/30/2026, 11:28:48 UTC
Last updated: 09/03/2026, 10:52:10 UTC
Views: 74
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.