---
id: "CVE-2026-98502"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-98502"]
title: "Linux kernel: ALPS HID driver leaks a DualPoint Stick input device"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "runtime"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["alps-touchpad", "laptops", "linux-kernel", "runtime"]
not_affected_if: ["no-alps-hardware"]
published_at: "2026-10-18T16:17:01+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:15+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-25T05:25:31+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98502", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:15+00:00"}]
---

# Linux kernel: ALPS HID driver leaks a DualPoint Stick input device

The ALPS HID driver in the Linux kernel registers a second input device for the DualPoint Stick but never unregisters it when the device is removed. The leak happens on every device removal and the sources do not describe a direct way for an attacker to gain access.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- unknown

## Fix

- Update to a Linux kernel release that includes the upstream commit adding a .remove handler to the ALPS HID driver (version not stated in the sources)

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T21:57:15+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98502

## From the sources

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

HID: alps: unregister DualPoint Stick input device on remove

alps_input_configured() allocates a second input device ("DualPoint
Stick") with input_allocate_device() and registers it, but the
alps_driver struct has no .remove handler and input2 is not tracked in
hdev->inputs.  The default remove path (hid_hw_stop -> hidinput_disconnect)
only iterates hdev->inputs, so input2 is never unregistered and leaks
on every device removal.

Add a .remove handler that stops the device first (preventing URB
callbacks from touching input2 during teardown) and then unregisters
input2.

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