CVE-2026-74486: binfmt_misc: use exe_file_deny_write_access() for the interpreter clone
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
binfmtmisc: use exefiledenywriteaccess() for the interpreter clone
For MISCFMTOPENFILE entries loadmiscbinary() clones the registered interpreter file and denies write access to the clone via plain denywriteaccess(). The clone is installed as bprm->interpreter and later released by the exec machinery through exefileallowwriteaccess() which skips the iwritecount increment for files with FMODEFSNOTIFYHSM set.
The deny and allow side can therefore come to different conclusions when pre-content watches are in play: if a pre-content watch is added to the interpreter after registration every subsequent exec through that entry takes a write denial on the clone that is never paired with a write allowance, driving the interpreter inode's iwritecount further down with each exec and leaving the interpreter unwritable even after the entry and all its users are gone.
Take the write denial via exefiledenywriteaccess() so both sides of the pairing base their decision on the same file mode, and propagate failure instead of silently ignoring it: an interpreter that is concurrently open for writing now fails the exec with ETXTBSY, exactly like an interpreter freshly opened via openexec() would.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-74486?
CVE-2026-74486 has a risk rating of 26.
How do I fix CVE-2026-74486?
To fix CVE-2026-74486, update your Linux kernel to the patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-74486?
CVE-2026-74486 affects systems running the Linux kernel where binfmt_misc functionality is used.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-74486?
CVE-2026-74486 is a vulnerability related to file access controls in the Linux kernel.
When was CVE-2026-74486 published?
CVE-2026-74486 was published on August 15, 2026.