CVE-2026-23168: flex_proportions: make fprop_new_period() hardirq safe

Published Feb 14, 2026
·
Updated

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

flexproportions: make fpropnewperiod() hardirq safe

Bernd has reported a lockdep splat from flexible proportions code that is essentially complaining about the following race:

<timer fires> runtimersoftirq - we are in softirq context calltimerfn writeoutperiod fpropnewperiod writeseqcountbegin(&p->sequence);

<hardirq is raised> ... blkmqendrequest() blkupdaterequest() ext4endbio() folioendwriteback() wbwriteoutadd() fpropaddpercpumax() if (unlikely(maxfrac < FPROPFRACBASE)) { fpropfractionpercpu() seq = readseqcountbegin(&p->sequence); - sees odd sequence so loops indefinitely

Note that a deadlock like this is only possible if the bdi has configured maximum fraction of writeout throughput which is very rare in general but frequent for example for FUSE bdis. To fix this problem we have to make sure write section of the sequence counter is irqsafe.

Affected Software

12 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=6.0<6.1.162
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.123
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.69
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.9
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

Event History

Feb 14, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:01 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:01 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·05:04 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-23168?

CVE-2026-23168 is classified as a moderate severity vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-23168?

To fix CVE-2026-23168, you should update to the latest version of the Linux kernel that contains the patch for this vulnerability.

3

What is CVE-2026-23168 about?

CVE-2026-23168 addresses a security issue in the Linux kernel related to making the fprop_new_period() function hardirq safe.

4

Which versions of Linux Kernel are affected by CVE-2026-23168?

CVE-2026-23168 affects various versions of the Linux kernel prior to the patch being applied.

5

Who reported CVE-2026-23168?

CVE-2026-23168 was reported by an individual named Bernd, highlighting an issue in the flexible proportions code.

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