CVE-2026-72354: Linux kernel · ntfs: avoid stale runlist element dereference in MFT writeback
Affects Linux kernelSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 8.8 High.
Data as of 9 Nov 2026, 14:04 UTC
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 15 Aug 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 9 Nov 2026.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-aws-6.14pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws-6.14?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-aws-6.17pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-aws-6.17?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azure-6.11pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-6.11?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azure-6.14pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-6.14?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azure-6.17pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-6.17?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSlinux-azure-fde-6.14pkg:deb/ubuntu/linux-azure-fde-6.14?arch=source&distro=nobleOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A fix is available and should be applied by upgrading to patched Linux kernel versions that address this issue. The vendor advisory confirms resolution by modifying the code to avoid use-after-free conditions during MFT writeback. Users should update affected kernel versions to the fixed releases listed by their Linux distribution vendors. No additional mitigation steps are indicated.
Description
CVE-2026-72354 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's NTFS driver related to stale runlist element dereference during Master File Table (MFT) writeback. The flaw occurs when a runlist element pointer is used after its backing memory has been freed due to concurrent MFT allocation extension, leading to a use-after-free condition. This can cause kernel crashes or potentially allow an attacker with local privileges to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The issue affects specific Linux kernel versions listed and has been resolved by changing the code to compute necessary values while holding the lock, avoiding use of freed memory. No known exploits are reported in the wild.
References
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-72354 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-72354 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/linus/81fe702ff1760da32bcd3ef4494b2a33dbeced72 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/81fe702ff1760da32bcd3ef4494b2a33dbeced72 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/9a2e36963a3fc52401586657d34e3f1c5a01ea56 (opens in a new tab)