diff --git a/kernel/events/core.c b/kernel/events/core.c
index e18d8d34ca77e..7655441065a96 100644
--- a/kernel/events/core.c
+++ b/kernel/events/core.c
@@ -11331,6 +11331,13 @@ perf_event_create_kernel_counter(struct perf_event_attr *attr, int cpu,
 	struct perf_event *event;
 	int err;
 
+	/*
+	 * Grouping is not supported for kernel events, neither is 'AUX',
+	 * make sure the caller's intentions are adjusted.
+	 */
+	if (attr->aux_output)
+		return ERR_PTR(-EINVAL);
+
 	event = perf_event_alloc(attr, cpu, task, NULL, NULL,
 				 overflow_handler, context, -1);
 	if (IS_ERR(event)) {