Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ipmi: ipmb: validate write message length

ipmb_write() read message fields before validating the length byte.

A zero or short write can read uninitialized stack bytes.

A length smaller than the SMBus header underflows the block write length.

Require a non-empty buffer and the minimum IPMB request length.

Also require the length byte plus payload before parsing the message.
Published: 2026-09-11
Score: n/a
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Information Disclosure
Action: Immediate Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

The issue arises in the Linux kernel's IPMI IPMB write function. The code reads message fields before validating the length byte. A zero‑length or short write can cause the function to read uninitialized stack bytes, while a length below the SMBus header trunc leading to a buffer underflow. These flaws allow an attacker to read arbitrary kernel memory before the payload is parsed, enabling information disclosure and potentially local privilege escalation. The vulnerability is a classic example of improper input validation and uninitialized memory usage.

Affected Systems

All Linux kernel releases that include the IPMI IPMB stack are potentially affected, as the vendor list indicates Linux. No specific version range is given, so any kernel that has not yet applied the public patch remains vulnerable. Users should upgrade to a kernel version that incorporates the fix introduced in the referenced commit series.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS and EPSS scores are not listed, and the vulnerability is not included in the CISA KEV catalogue, implying no public exploit has been reported. Despite the lack of a code execution vector, the ability to read kernel memory provides a significant security risk. Exploitation requires access to the IPMI interface, which is often restricted to privileged users or managed through embedded control modules. Consequently, the risk is moderate but potentially serious for systems that expose IPMI to untrusted or partially trusted users.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 12, 2026 at 19:51 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the latest Linux kernel update that contains the IPMB write length validation fix.
  • If a kernel upgrade is not possible immediately, disable or block the IPMI interface to prevent external access to the vulnerable code path.
  • Restrict IPMI write permissions to trusted users only and enforce least‑privilege controls.
  • Monitor kernel logs for IPMI‑related errors or abnormal write attempts to detect potential exploitation.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 12, 2026 at 19:51 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 20:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-126
CWE-20
CWE-665

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ipmi: ipmb: validate write message length ipmb_write() read message fields before validating the length byte. A zero or short write can read uninitialized stack bytes. A length smaller than the SMBus header underflows the block write length. Require a non-empty buffer and the minimum IPMB request length. Also require the length byte plus payload before parsing the message.
Title ipmi: ipmb: validate write message length
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-09-11T19:42:58.751Z

Reserved: 2026-08-26T14:34:25.812Z

Link: CVE-2026-81007

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-09-11T20:19:09.443

Modified: 2026-09-11T20:19:09.443

Link: CVE-2026-81007

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-09-12T20:00:13Z

Weaknesses