Buffer Management Flaw in Linux Kernel Affects Multiple Vendors

CVE-2026-98844

What is CVE-2026-98844?

A vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel related to buffer management when extending files via write operations. This issue arises when an ordinary write leaves behind stale data in the pagecache after the end-of-file (EOF). The flaw pertains to the netfs layer that does not clear these contents, potentially leading to data inconsistency. To remedy this, an implementation has been established to zero out the tail of the folio that straddles the EOF, ensuring that any subsequent writes do not overwrite important data. The enhancement allows for concurrent write processes without the risk of data loss while adhering to specific operational commands that respect the IOCB_NOWAIT flag. This resolution significantly improves data handling and integrity within the file system.

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