Linux Kernel Vulnerability in HID Appletb Keyboard Affecting Multiple Devices

CVE-2026-46202

What is CVE-2026-46202?

A vulnerability affecting the HID Appletb Keyboard in the Linux kernel allows for mutex lock issues when managing the autodim feature. The backlight control faces challenges as the inactivity timer operates in softirq context, leading to potential sleeping function errors from invalid contexts. Two key paths trigger this issue: one from a timer callback and the other during USB hardware processing. A fix has been implemented by adapting the inactivity timer to operate within a safe process context, ensuring proper mutex handling and maintaining the functionality of brightness control.

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