CVE-2024-26696: nilfs2: fix hang in nilfs_lookup_dirty_data_buffers()

Published Apr 3, 2024
·
Updated

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

nilfs2: fix hang in nilfslookupdirtydatabuffers()

Syzbot reported a hang issue in migratepagesbatch() called by mbind() and nilfslookupdirtydatabuffers() called in the log writer of nilfs2.

While migratepagesbatch() locks a folio and waits for the writeback to complete, the log writer thread that should bring the writeback to completion picks up the folio being written back in nilfslookupdirtydatabuffers() that it calls for subsequent log creation and was trying to lock the folio. Thus causing a deadlock.

In the first place, it is unexpected that folios/pages in the middle of writeback will be updated and become dirty. Nilfs2 adds a checksum to verify the validity of the log being written and uses it for recovery at mount, so data changes during writeback are suppressed. Since this is broken, an unclean shutdown could potentially cause recovery to fail.

Investigation revealed that the root cause is that the wait for writeback completion in nilfspagemkwrite() is conditional, and if the backing device does not require stable writes, data may be modified without waiting.

Fix these issues by making nilfspagemkwrite() wait for writeback to finish regardless of the stable write requirement of the backing device.

Affected Software

12 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=3.9<4.19.307
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.4.269
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.210
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.149
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.79
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.18
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.7.6
Linux Linux kernel=6.8-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.8-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.8-rc3
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Apr 3, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:54 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:54 PM
Description
May 7, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·08:28 PM
Description
Apr 29, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·06:12 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2024-26696?

CVE-2024-26696 is classified as a moderate severity vulnerability due to the potential for a hang issue impacting system performance.

2

How do I fix CVE-2024-26696?

To remediate CVE-2024-26696, upgrade to the fixed versions of the Linux kernel listed in the affected software section.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2024-26696?

CVE-2024-26696 affects specific versions of the Linux kernel, notably 5.10.223-1, 5.10.226-1, 6.1.119-1, 6.1.123-1, 6.12.10-1, and 6.12.11-1.

4

How was CVE-2024-26696 discovered?

CVE-2024-26696 was reported by Syzbot, which identified a hang in the function migrate_pages_batch() related to the NILFS2 file system.

5

What components are involved in CVE-2024-26696?

CVE-2024-26696 involves the NILFS2 file system in the Linux kernel and affects its ability to manage dirty data buffers effectively.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203