External risk intelligence

Linux Kernel Tegra Memory Controller DLL Check Logic Flaw

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2026-53045

This vulnerability is located within a low-level Linux kernel driver for Tegra memory controller timing. It is a hardware-specific, local kernel component that is not exposed to the public internet or accessible via remote network protocols in typical deployments.

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A corrected issue in the Linux kernel's memory controller timing could have been exploited to affect system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability has been resolved.

Kernel memory timing check was reversed.
Critical flaw in memory handling.
Confirm relevance to understand potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could potentially reach this vulnerability by interacting with the Linux kernel's memory timing configuration. Specifically, an error in how the kernel checks memory timing settings, related to the EMRS register, could be triggered. If exploited, this could lead to critical impacts on the system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Network access required to reach the kernel.
Incorrect memory timing check triggers vulnerability.
Leads to system compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's memory controller for Tegra processors could potentially affect system integrity and data confidentiality when certain memory timing configurations are used. The issue stems from an incorrect check of memory timing settings, which, if exploited under specific conditions, could lead to unintended system behavior.

System integrity and data confidentiality.
Incorrect memory timing checks.
Unintended system behavior.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability resides in the Linux kernel's Tegra memory controller, suggesting that platform or infrastructure teams responsible for managing the kernel and its specific hardware drivers are likely to be accountable. The initial practical step involves identifying systems utilizing this specific kernel component, assessing their exposure and criticality, and then coordinating remediation efforts, potentially involving vendor engagement if the kernel is part of a supplied appliance or managed service.

Platform or infrastructure teams own the issue.
Verify affected kernel instances and exposure.
Plan remediation based on risk and criticality.

Supplementary metadata

CVSS vector

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Free EASM Trial See How Signal Works

Frequently asked questions

What is the Linux tegra124-emc component?

This component is a specific driver within the Linux kernel designed to manage the External Memory Controller for NVIDIA Tegra processors. It handles low-level hardware settings, such as memory timing configurations, which are essential for ensuring the system's memory operates reliably and efficiently. It is primarily found in devices utilizing these specific ARM-based chipsets.

What does the logic flaw in CVE-2026-53045 mean?

The vulnerability is a logic error where the kernel incorrectly evaluates the state of a hardware register related to timing. Specifically, the code reversed the check for whether the Delay-Locked Loop (DLL) is enabled. Because the kernel misunderstood when this feature was active, it could potentially misconfigure memory timing, leading to unpredictable system behavior that compromises stability and data integrity.

How is this memory controller flaw triggered?

The issue is triggered when the kernel performs operations that interact with memory timing settings through the EMRS register. It is not triggered by standard application-level network requests or general user activity. Instead, it requires specific conditions related to how the hardware memory timings are initialized or adjusted by the system kernel during operation.

Is my system at risk according to Halo Surface Signal?

Halo Surface Signal indicates that this vulnerability is very unlikely to be a remote risk. Because the bug exists within a hardware-specific, low-level driver for Tegra memory controllers, it is not typically reachable via public internet services or remote network protocols. Your risk is generally limited to environments where an attacker has already gained local access to influence kernel-level configurations.

What are the first steps to handle this CVE?

Begin by identifying which of your systems run the Linux kernel with the tegra124-emc driver. Since this is a kernel-level issue, remediation involves updating to a patched kernel version provided by your distribution or hardware vendor. Coordinate with your platform or infrastructure teams to review the current kernel build status and plan for an update cycle on the affected Tegra-based hardware.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

Nicholas Merritt is VP of Security Solutions at Halo Security. With more than 25 years across application security, vulnerability prioritization, and offensive security, he helps teams translate threat data into practical exposure validation and remediation focus. He authors Halo Threat Intelligence CVE advisories using Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context to prioritize internet-facing risk.