CVE-2025-71292: jfs: nlink overflow in jfs_rename

Published May 6, 2026
·
Updated

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

jfs: nlink overflow in jfsrename

If nlink is maximal for a directory (-1) and inside that directory you perform a rename for some child directory (not moving from the parent), then the nlink of the first directory is first incremented and later decremented. Normally this is fine, but when nlink = -1 this causes a wrap around to 0, and then dropnlink issues a warning.

After applying the patch syzbot no longer issues any warnings. I also ran some basic fs tests to look for any regressions.

Affected Software

14 affected components
Linux Linux kernel (JFS)
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.12.1<5.10.252
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.202
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.165
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.128
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.75
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.16
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.6
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=2.6.12-rc6

Event History

May 6, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:32 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:32 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-71292?

CVE-2025-71292 has a medium severity rating due to the potential for directory nlink overflow in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-71292?

To fix CVE-2025-71292, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the relevant patches.

3

What types of systems are affected by CVE-2025-71292?

CVE-2025-71292 affects systems running the JFS file system in the Linux kernel.

4

Can CVE-2025-71292 lead to data loss?

Yes, CVE-2025-71292 can potentially lead to data loss if the nlink count overflows.

5

Is CVE-2025-71292 publicly known?

Yes, CVE-2025-71292 is a publicly disclosed vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

Contact

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