CVE-2026-31709: smb: client: validate the whole DACL before rewriting it in cifsacl
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
smb: client: validate the whole DACL before rewriting it in cifsacl
buildsecdesc() and idmodetocifsacl() derive a DACL pointer from a server-supplied dacloffset and then use the incoming ACL to rebuild the chmod/chown security descriptor.
The original fix only checked that the struct smbacl header fits before reading daclptr->size or daclptr->numaces. That avoids the immediate header-field OOB read, but the rewrite helpers still walk ACEs based on pdacl->numaces with no structural validation of the incoming DACL body.
A malicious server can return a truncated DACL that still contains a header, claims one or more ACEs, and then drive replacesidsandcopyaces() or setchmoddacl() past the validated extent while they compare or copy attacker-controlled ACEs.
Factor the DACL structural checks into validatedacl(), extend them to validate each ACE against the DACL bounds, and use the shared validator before the chmod/chown rebuild paths. parsedacl() reuses the same validator so the read-side parser and write-side rewrite paths agree on what constitutes a well-formed incoming DACL.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-31709?
CVE-2026-31709 has been classified with a high severity rating due to potential exploitation risks in the Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-31709?
To fix CVE-2026-31709, it is recommended to update to the latest patched version of the Linux kernel provided by The Linux Foundation.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-31709?
CVE-2026-31709 affects various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those that implement CIFS file system features.
What does CVE-2026-31709 impact?
CVE-2026-31709 impacts the functionality of the CIFS client by allowing improper validation of DACL, which could lead to unauthorized access.
Is there a workaround for CVE-2026-31709?
Currently, the most effective workaround for CVE-2026-31709 is to disable the CIFS protocol until an appropriate patch is applied.