Vulnerability Description
The USB DFU class implementation in Zephyr's new (experimental) device_next USB device stack contains a NULL pointer dereference in handle_download() (subsys/usb/device_next/class/usbd_dfu.c). The handler computes MIN(setup->wLength, buf->len) and passes buf->data to the image write callback without checking that the buf net_buf pointer is non-NULL. The handler is reached over the USB control endpoint, driven by the USB host. For a DFU_DNLOAD (download) request with no Data OUT stage — notably the zero-length terminating download that the DFU protocol uses to end a firmware transfer — the USB core invokes the class handler with a NULL buffer. After the device has been advanced to the DFU_DNLOAD_IDLE state (by sending one valid download block and a GET_STATUS), a zero-length DFU_DNLOAD reaches handle_download() with buf == NULL, dereferencing it. The result is a NULL+offset read that triggers a fatal CPU fault, i.e. a denial of service (device crash/reset). The attacker is whatever controls the USB host the device is attached to; DFU download support must be enabled with a registered image. There is no memory corruption or information disclosure — impact is limited to availability. The fix adds an explicit if (buf != NULL) guard so the callback receives a zero-length, NULL-data transfer instead of crashing.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/commit/552ca371257597b71490482d5cc5
- https://github.com/zephyrproject-rtos/zephyr/security/advisories/GHSA-vhvq-q6rw-
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-12051?
CVE-2026-12051 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 4.6 (MEDIUM). The USB DFU class implementation in Zephyr's new (experimental) device_next USB device stack contains a NULL pointer dereference in handle_download() (subsys/usb/device_next/class/usbd_dfu.c). The han...
How severe is CVE-2026-12051?
CVE-2026-12051 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 4.6/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-12051?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.