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

nvdimm: pmem: keep PREFLUSH before data writes

pmem_submit_bio() records a REQ_PREFLUSH error, but continues to copy the
bio data and can later overwrite the error with a successful REQ_FUA flush.
That lets data writes run after a failed preflush and can complete the bio
successfully despite the failed ordering barrier.

Run the REQ_PREFLUSH flush synchronously before touching the bio data and
complete the bio with the flush error if it fails. Keep asynchronous flush
chaining for REQ_FUA. At that point, data copy has completed and the parent
bio can wait for the chained flush bio.
Published: 2026-09-25
Score: 5.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Data Integrity Compromise
Action: Update Kernel
AI Analysis

Impact

pmem_submit_bio records a preflush error yet still copies bio data, subsequently overwriting that error with a successful flush. This allows data writes to occur after a failed preflush, enabling the bio to succeed despite the missing ordering guarantee. The effect is that persistent memory writes may be performed out of order, creating a risk of data loss or corruption.

Affected Systems

Linux kernels that include the nvdimm/pmem subsystem without the recent commit that enforces synchronous preflush handling are affected. Any distribution running an unpatched kernel version that uses persistent memory devices is at risk.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 5.5 denotes moderate severity, and the EPSS score of less than 1% indicates a very low likelihood of exploitation. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. The likely attack vector requires privileged kernel or escalated access and manipulation of pmem flush operations; it is therefore an insider or compromised admin scenario rather than a remote, automated exploit.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 2, 2026 at 22:56 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade the Linux kernel to a version that contains the pmem_submit_bio fix that enforces synchronous preflush handling.
  • Disable or remove persistent memory devices until a patched kernel is available, preventing use of pmem until a secure kernel is in place.
  • Restrict access to pmem device files and flush operations to privileged users only, tightening SELinux/AppArmor policies or file permissions.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 2, 2026 at 22:56 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories
Source ID Title
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6568-1 linux security update
History

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:15:00 +0000


Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:15:00 +0000


Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-754

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-665

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-390
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate


Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-665

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvdimm: pmem: keep PREFLUSH before data writes pmem_submit_bio() records a REQ_PREFLUSH error, but continues to copy the bio data and can later overwrite the error with a successful REQ_FUA flush. That lets data writes run after a failed preflush and can complete the bio successfully despite the failed ordering barrier. Run the REQ_PREFLUSH flush synchronously before touching the bio data and complete the bio with the flush error if it fails. Keep asynchronous flush chaining for REQ_FUA. At that point, data copy has completed and the parent bio can wait for the chained flush bio.
Title nvdimm: pmem: keep PREFLUSH before data writes
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-10-21T12:54:44.996Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T10:25:14.321Z

Link: CVE-2026-98161

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Modified

Published: 2026-09-25T14:17:27.770

Modified: 2026-10-21T13:21:24.663

Link: CVE-2026-98161

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-09-25T00:00:00Z

Links: CVE-2026-98161 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-02T23:00:16Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-390

    Detection of Error Condition Without Action

  • CWE-754

    Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions