CVE-2019-15791: Reference count underflow in shiftfs

Published Apr 23, 2020
·
Updated

In shiftfs, a non-upstream patch to the Linux kernel included in the Ubuntu 5.0 and 5.3 kernel series, shiftfsbtrfsioctlfdreplace() installs an fd referencing a file from the lower filesystem without taking an additional reference to that file. After the btrfs ioctl completes this fd is closed, which then puts a reference to that file, leading to a refcount underflow.

Affected Software

5 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel=5.0
Linux Linux kernel=5.3
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=19.04
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.187-16.12.107-17.1.13-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.176-1Fixed in 6.1.187-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 7.1.13-1

Event History

Apr 23, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:55 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:55 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Apr 24, 2020
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:20 PM
Description
Aug 26, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:26 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Sep 12, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·11:09 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2019-15791?

CVE-2019-15791 is a vulnerability in shiftfs, a non-upstream patch to the Linux kernel included in the Ubuntu 5.0 and 5.3 kernel series.

2

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2019-15791?

CVE-2019-15791 affects Ubuntu Linux versions 2.6.12~ up to, but not including, 5.3.0-22.24.

3

How can I fix the CVE-2019-15791 vulnerability?

To fix the CVE-2019-15791 vulnerability, update your Ubuntu Linux kernel to version 5.3.0-22.24 or higher.

4

Are there any references for CVE-2019-15791?

Yes, you can find references for CVE-2019-15791 at the following links: [Reference 1](https://git.launchpad.net/~ubuntu-kernel/ubuntu/+source/linux/+git/eoan/commit/?id=601a64857b3d7040ca15c39c929e6b9db3373ec1), [Reference 2](https://usn.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-4183-1), [Reference 3](https://usn.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-4184-1).

Contact

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