CVE-2026-53044: Linux Tegra SoC Fabric Array Bounds Vulnerability (CVSS 7.1)

Technical summary

CVE-2026-53044 is a classic out-of-bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) in the Tegra SoC CBB fabric driver. The root cause is the misuse of ARRAY_SIZE macro in lookup table definitions, resulting in incorrect bounds calculations. During target timeout lookups—operations that occur when fabric traffic experiences delays or errors—the code accesses array indices beyond the allocated bounds. A local unprivileged process can trigger timeout conditions to reach the vulnerable code path, leading to disclosure of adjacent kernel memory or kernel panic if the accessed region is unmapped.

Business impact

Organizations deploying Linux on NVIDIA Tegra-based systems face two primary risks: confidentiality breach through kernel memory disclosure, and availability impact from denial of service. Tegra processors are used in embedded systems, IoT devices, automotive platforms, and edge compute appliances. A compromise could expose cryptographic material, network configuration, or session tokens stored in kernel memory. For safety-critical deployments (autonomous systems, industrial control), a kernel crash triggers unplanned downtime. The HIGH severity rating reflects the combination of low attack complexity and high impact on both confidentiality and availability.

Affected systems

The Linux kernel is affected across all versions prior to the fix. Specifically, any Linux distribution or embedded system using the Tegra SoC platform is vulnerable. This includes NVIDIA Jetson boards (Nano, Xavier, Orin series), automotive platforms using Tegra processors, and custom embedded systems built on Tegra silicon. The vulnerability requires local access to the system, so remote-only deployments are not directly exploitable.

Exploitability

Exploitability is straightforward. The CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L) confirms that local access with low privilege (standard unprivileged user) and low attack complexity are sufficient. An attacker can craft a sequence of fabric operations that induce target timeouts, triggering the vulnerable lookup code. No special techniques, race conditions, or user interaction are needed. The lack of kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) in some Tegra deployments would further improve exploit reliability.

Remediation

Update the Linux kernel to a patched version that corrects the ARRAY_SIZE macro usage in the Tegra CBB fabric driver. Verify the specific patch version against the vendor advisory. Immediate workarounds are limited; disabling fabric error handling entirely is not recommended. For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, restrict local user access and enable security monitoring for fabric timeout events.

Patch guidance

Apply the fix by updating to the corrected kernel version once released by your Linux distribution or NVIDIA. For custom kernels, locate the fabric lookup table definitions in drivers/soc/tegra/cbb/ and ensure ARRAY_SIZE is correctly computed for all lookup tables used in timeout handling. Test on pre-production systems before deployment. If you maintain a kernel fork, backport the fix from the upstream kernel repository to your stable branch.

Detection guidance

Monitor kernel logs for CBB fabric timeout errors or warnings that coincide with unprivileged process activity. Implement kernel module auditing to detect unexpected memory access patterns near array boundaries. Use runtime bounds-checking tools (KASAN, UBSAN) in test environments to catch similar issues. Host-based intrusion detection can flag repeated fabric timeout triggers from a single process, which may indicate exploitation attempts. Review core dumps for evidence of out-of-bounds reads in fabric driver functions.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability should be prioritized as HIGH across your Tegra-based infrastructure. The combination of low attack friction (local unprivileged user), high confidentiality and availability impact, and straightforward exploitation path makes this a credible risk. Tegra systems often run unattended in edge or embedded roles where patching cycles may lag. The lack of CISA KEV status does not diminish risk; it reflects recent publication and limited public proof-of-concept activity, not low severity.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.1 (HIGH) accurately reflects the threat landscape. Attack vector is local (AV:L), reducing risk for internet-facing services but not for shared multi-tenant systems. Attack complexity is low (AC:L), meaning no special conditions or timing are required. Privilege requirement is low (PR:L), allowing standard users. Confidentiality is high (C:H) due to potential kernel memory leakage; integrity is not affected (I:N); availability is high (A:H) due to DoS potential. The scope is unchanged (S:U), so impact is limited to the affected Tegra system itself.

Frequently asked questions