CVE-2026-45894

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's Intel VT-d (Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O) Scalable Mode. When a Process Address Space ID (PASID) table entry is being removed, the system may attempt to clear the entry before properly signaling to the hardware that the entry is no longer active. This timing issue can lead to the hardware reading an inconsistent state, potentially causing unpredictable system behavior or errors.

This vulnerability is rated as Moderate impact because exploiting the race condition requires local system access, specialized hardware supporting Intel VT-d Scalable Mode, and precise timing during address space teardown. Systems are only exposed when utilizing Intel IOMMU scalable mode configurations, such as environments leveraging shared virtual addressing or mediated device pass-through. Because the window for an inconsistent read during entry deallocation is transient and difficult to trigger reliably, practical exploitation is constrained, primarily risking unexpected faults or denial of service.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.