CVE-2025-71074: functionfs: fix the open/removal races

Published Jan 13, 2026
·
Updated

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

functionfs: fix the open/removal races

ffsepfileopen() can race with removal, ending up with file->privatedata pointing to freed object.

There is a total count of opened files on functionfs (both ep0 and dynamic ones) and when it hits zero, dynamic files get removed. Unfortunately, that removal can happen while another thread is in ffsepfileopen(), but has not incremented the count yet. In that case open will succeed, leaving us with UAF on any subsequent read() or write().

The root cause is that ffs->opened is misused; atomicdecandtest() vs. atomicaddreturn() is not a good idea, when object remains visible all along.

To untangle that serialize openers on ffs->mutex (both for ep0 and for dynamic files) have dynamic ones use atomicincnotzero() and fail if we had zero ->opened; in that case the file we are opening is doomed. have the inodes of dynamic files marked on removal (from the callback of simplerecursiveremoval()) - clear ->iprivate there. have open of dynamic ones verify they hadn't been already removed, along with checking that state is FFSACTIVE.

Affected Software

11 affected components
linux/kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.35.1<6.19
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.35
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc7
Linux Linux kernel=6.19-rc8

Event History

Jan 13, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:31 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:31 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-71074?

CVE-2025-71074 has been classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to the potential for denial of service and data corruption.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-71074?

To fix CVE-2025-71074, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2025-71074?

CVE-2025-71074 affects various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those utilizing functionfs features.

4

What are the potential consequences of CVE-2025-71074?

The potential consequences of CVE-2025-71074 include crashes or instability in applications relying on the affected functionfs.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2025-71074?

Currently, the best approach for CVE-2025-71074 is to apply the official kernel update as there are no recommended workarounds.

Contact

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