CVE-2026-98984: Linux kernel · dcache: don't put a mountpoint on a dentry that's being removed
Affects Linux kernelSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · fixed in 793cb67b0f52d00c67bd0e76bc57455b5c70ebb8 : update Linux kernel when convenient.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 14:18 UTC
Rated Medium by Threat Radar's AI analysis · CVSS not yet scored by NVD
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 6% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 793cb67b0f52d00c67bd0e76bc57455b5c70ebb8, 390ddcea2a8aca411b931a8e2863a80ccca8d2b3, 75f4197f1e11d2eb75c2d6f916a7d4764db621e5 +6
Exploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 23 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
|
| LinuxLinux | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
A fix has been implemented in Linux kernel versions 4.2, 4.5, 4.10, and 4.11 and their respective stable updates. Users should upgrade to these fixed versions or later to remediate the issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Description
CVE-2026-98984 is a Linux kernel vulnerability involving the dcache subsystem where a mountpoint can be incorrectly assigned to a dentry that is in the process of being removed. This occurs due to a race condition between mountpoint detachment and directory removal operations, potentially causing a mount to remain attached to a removed directory indefinitely.
References
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/5e6bfd9f249f2c74bb63c0f06ad959da3bee0971 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/793cb67b0f52d00c67bd0e76bc57455b5c70ebb8 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/390ddcea2a8aca411b931a8e2863a80ccca8d2b3 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/30a1625022411a387cce9239408ece9955bc9c58 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/75f4197f1e11d2eb75c2d6f916a7d4764db621e5 (opens in a new tab)