Linux Kernel Vulnerability Affecting Netfs Components

CVE-2026-98120

What is CVE-2026-98120?

A vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's netfs component related to subrequest reference leaks. This issue arises specifically in the netfs_unbuffered_write() function when a subrequest's IO iterator results in zero length during its preparation phase. The improper management of subrequest references can lead to potentially unintended behavior in the system, undermining the reliability and security of the kernel's operations. The vulnerability has been addressed in a recent update, and it is crucial for users to apply the latest patches to maintain system integrity.

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