CVE-2026-72163: ocfs2: fix NULL h_transaction deref in ocfs2_assure_trans_credits
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ocfs2: fix NULL htransaction deref in ocfs2assuretranscredits
[BUG] A direct write over unwritten extents can panic the kernel in ocfs2assuretranscredits() when the journal aborts during DIO completion. The crash is a general protection fault from a NULL pointer dereference.
[CAUSE] ocfs2dioendiowrite() loops over a direct write's unwritten extents, marking each written under a single journal handle. If the journal aborts (for example after an I/O error) while the extent tree is being updated, the handle is left aborted with its transaction pointer cleared. The extent merge treats that failure as not critical and reports success, so the loop keeps using the handle. ocfs2assuretranscredits() reads the handle's remaining credits without first checking whether the handle is aborted, and that read dereferences the cleared transaction pointer.
[FIX] A journal abort is recorded in the handle itself, so callers are expected to test the handle rather than rely on a returned error. Make ocfs2assuretranscredits() do that, as the other ocfs2 journal helpers already do, and return -EROFS when the handle is aborted.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72163?
CVE-2026-72163 has a risk score of 48, indicating a moderate level of severity.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72163?
To fix CVE-2026-72163, ensure that your system is updated to the latest version of the Linux kernel where this vulnerability has been addressed.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-72163?
CVE-2026-72163 is a kernel vulnerability affecting the OCFS2 filesystem that can lead to a system crash.
What does CVE-2026-72163 affect in the Linux kernel?
CVE-2026-72163 affects the OCFS2 filesystem, specifically within the ocfs2_assure_trans_credits function.
What is the impact of exploiting CVE-2026-72163?
Exploiting CVE-2026-72163 can lead to a kernel panic when a direct write occurs over unwritten extents during an aborted journal.