CVE-2026-98443: Linux kernel · xfs: fix cursor and pointer handling when recovering iunlink buckets
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High · fixed in 961c717e6bf0e53c2c2b1fe4aef1add9390fedab : patch Linux kernel soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 17:30 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 2% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 961c717e6bf0e53c2c2b1fe4aef1add9390fedab, 66a2179d02668f8df44b1a249899006f3ba38ea0, 65f39d09d73718611cee40399179323b5d4ead00 +2
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 18 Oct 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: 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 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade to a fixed release listed under Affected software.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in
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| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
A fix is available and has been applied in specific Linux kernel commits. Users and administrators should update to the patched Linux kernel version 6.0 or later containing these fixes. No additional mitigation steps are indicated beyond applying the official patch.
Description
CVE-2026-98443 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS filesystem code affecting version 6.0. It involves improper cursor and pointer handling during recovery of iunlink buckets, leading to use-after-free (UAF) issues, memory leaks, and potential loops in the unlinked inode list. These flaws can cause corruption and impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the filesystem. The vulnerability has been fixed in specific Linux kernel commits.
References
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/47a948ba653a463d429e02fda2f06a3d6b78666d (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/8c9d5b8a96d6b93eb24e07b4163c89341ba29bd1 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/66a2179d02668f8df44b1a249899006f3ba38ea0 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/961c717e6bf0e53c2c2b1fe4aef1add9390fedab (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/65f39d09d73718611cee40399179323b5d4ead00 (opens in a new tab)