CVE-2026-72188: ntfs: sanitize MFT references returned from ntfs_lookup_inode_by_name()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ntfs: sanitize MFT references returned from ntfslookupinodebyname()
ntfslookupinodebyname() returns MFT references read from directory index entries on disk. These values are untrusted, but the function can currently return an error-marked MFT reference to its callers without validating it.
Callers later decode lookup failures with MREFERR(). A crafted NTFS image can set the MREF error bit while leaving the low bits as an arbitrary value, causing callers to consume a bogus pseudo-errno instead of treating the lookup result as corrupted on-disk metadata.
Fix this at the source by normalizing every error-marked MFT reference returned from ntfslookupinodebyname() to ERRMREF(-EIO). Apply this to all four directory lookup return paths so every caller gets a validated result without needing additional checks or an API change.
This keeps the sanitization in the common lookup helper, which is cleaner than duplicating validation in each caller.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-72188?
CVE-2026-72188 has a risk rating of 37, indicating a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to NTFS.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72188?
To fix CVE-2026-72188, users should update their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-72188?
CVE-2026-72188 affects systems running specific versions of the Linux kernel that utilize NTFS.
Is CVE-2026-72188 a local or remote vulnerability?
CVE-2026-72188 is primarily a local vulnerability, as it involves interactions with directory index entries on disk.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-72188?
The potential impacts of CVE-2026-72188 include unauthorized access or manipulation of data due to untrusted MFT references.