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

xfs: don't let memory failures leak blocks and kill repairs

LOLLM complains that a memory allocation failure in
xrep_newbt_add_blocks results in online repair leaking blocks that were
previously allocated to write a new btree, but the problem is worse than
that -- a limitation of the codebase is that the callers cannot undo the
transaction /and/ return the error -- either you undo all changes and
commit the transaction, or you error out and the filesystem goes down.

However, the new btree space reservation object isn't that big (~48
bytes). Let's just do a NOFAIL allocation and the problem goes away.
Published: 2026-10-18
Score: n/a
EPSS: n/a
KEV: No
Impact: Denial of Service: Filesystem crash
Action: Immediate Patch
AI Analysis

Impact

The Linux kernel contains a flaw in the XFS filesystem code where a memory allocation failure during online repair can cause previously allocated btree blocks to leak. Because the repair logic cannot roll back while also reporting an error, the only options are to discard all changes or let the filesystem fail, effectively bringing the filesystem to a non‑operational state. This results in a denial of service to any processes that rely on the affected filesystem and can lead to data loss if the repair corrupts metadata.

Affected Systems

All Linux kernel releases that ship with the XFS filesystem are potentially affected, as the code fragment is part of the core kernel source. No specific vendor or product line beyond the generic Linux kernel is listed, and the issue appears in the kernel tree prior to any patched release.

Risk and Exploitability

Based on the description, it is inferred that an attacker would need to induce a memory allocation failure while an online repair is in progress. The CVE does not specify a particular attack vector; the failure could arise from sustained memory pressure or a local privilege level that allows manipulation of repair processes. No remote exploitation vector is disclosed. The EPSS score is not available and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA KEV, suggesting it has not yet been widely exploited. However, the severity of a filesystem crash means the risk is moderate to high for systems that perform frequent online repairs or operate under constrained memory conditions.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 18, 2026 at 17:14 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Update the Linux kernel to a version that includes the XFS memory allocation fix.
  • If an upgrade cannot be performed immediately, avoid running XFS online repairs during periods of high memory pressure or while system users need uninterrupted access to the filesystem.
  • Consider remounting the affected XFS volume as read‑only or performing offline repairs after booting in a maintenance window until the correct kernel is in place.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 18, 2026 at 17:14 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-772

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfs: don't let memory failures leak blocks and kill repairs LOLLM complains that a memory allocation failure in xrep_newbt_add_blocks results in online repair leaking blocks that were previously allocated to write a new btree, but the problem is worse than that -- a limitation of the codebase is that the callers cannot undo the transaction /and/ return the error -- either you undo all changes and commit the transaction, or you error out and the filesystem goes down. However, the new btree space reservation object isn't that big (~48 bytes). Let's just do a NOFAIL allocation and the problem goes away.
Title xfs: don't let memory failures leak blocks and kill repairs
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: 2026-10-18T15:14:55.754Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T10:25:14.349Z

Link: CVE-2026-98445

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-10-18T16:16:54.837

Modified: 2026-10-18T16:16:54.837

Link: CVE-2026-98445

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-18T17:15:14Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-772

    Missing Release of Resource after Effective Lifetime