In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: f2fs: fix fsck inconsistency caused by incorrect nat_entry flag usage… (CVE-2026-53368)
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: f2fs: fix fsck inconsistency caused by incorrect nat_entry flag usage f2fs_need_dentry_mark() reads nat_entry flags without mutual exclusion with the checkpoint path, which can result in an incorrect inode block marking state. The scenario is as follows: create & write & fsync 'file A' write checkpoint - f2fs_do_sync_file // inline inode - f2fs_write_inode // inode folio is dirty - f2fs_write_checkpoint - f2fs_flush_merged_writes - f2fs_sync_node_pages - f2fs_fsync_node_pages // no dirty node - f2fs_need_inode_block_update // return true - f2fs_fsync_node_pages // inode dirtied - f2fs_need_dentry_mark //return true - f2fs_flush_nat_entries - f2fs_write_checkpoint end - __write_node_folio // inode with DENT_BIT_SHIFT set SPO, "fsck --dry-run" find inode has already checkpointed but still with DENT_BIT_SHIFT set The state observed by f2fs_need_dentry_mark() can differ from the state observed in __write_node_folio() after acquiring sbi->node_write. The root cause is that the semantics of IS_CHECKPOINTED and HAS_FSYNCED_INODE are only guaranteed after the checkpoint write has fully completed. This patch moves set_dentry_mark() into __write_node_folio() and protects it with the sbi->node_write lock.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Linux kernel's f2fs filesystem had a vulnerability where f2fs_need_dentry_mark() accessed nat_entry flags without synchronization against checkpoint writes, causing inconsistent inode block marking states observable during filesystem checks (fsck). This inconsistency stems from the fact that the IS_CHECKPOINTED and HAS_FSYNCED_INODE flags' semantics are only reliable after checkpoint writes complete. The patch moves set_dentry_mark() into __write_node_folio() and protects it with the sbi->node_write lock to prevent race conditions and ensure fsck consistency.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability can cause filesystem check (fsck) inconsistencies, where inodes appear checkpointed but still have incorrect flags set, potentially leading to incorrect filesystem state reporting or maintenance issues. There is no indication of direct security exploitation or data corruption beyond fsck inconsistencies. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch has been applied to the Linux kernel to fix this issue by adding proper locking around nat_entry flag usage in the f2fs filesystem code. Users should update to a Linux kernel version that includes this fix once available. Patch status is not explicitly confirmed in the provided data; therefore, check the official Linux kernel advisories for the exact fixed versions and apply updates accordingly.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: f2fs: fix fsck inconsistency caused by incorrect nat_entry flag usage… (CVE-2026-53368)
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: f2fs: fix fsck inconsistency caused by incorrect nat_entry flag usage f2fs_need_dentry_mark() reads nat_entry flags without mutual exclusion with the checkpoint path, which can result in an incorrect inode block marking state. The scenario is as follows: create & write & fsync 'file A' write checkpoint - f2fs_do_sync_file // inline inode - f2fs_write_inode // inode folio is dirty - f2fs_write_checkpoint - f2fs_flush_merged_writes - f2fs_sync_node_pages - f2fs_fsync_node_pages // no dirty node - f2fs_need_inode_block_update // return true - f2fs_fsync_node_pages // inode dirtied - f2fs_need_dentry_mark //return true - f2fs_flush_nat_entries - f2fs_write_checkpoint end - __write_node_folio // inode with DENT_BIT_SHIFT set SPO, "fsck --dry-run" find inode has already checkpointed but still with DENT_BIT_SHIFT set The state observed by f2fs_need_dentry_mark() can differ from the state observed in __write_node_folio() after acquiring sbi->node_write. The root cause is that the semantics of IS_CHECKPOINTED and HAS_FSYNCED_INODE are only guaranteed after the checkpoint write has fully completed. This patch moves set_dentry_mark() into __write_node_folio() and protects it with the sbi->node_write lock.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.1high
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Linux kernel's f2fs filesystem had a vulnerability where f2fs_need_dentry_mark() accessed nat_entry flags without synchronization against checkpoint writes, causing inconsistent inode block marking states observable during filesystem checks (fsck). This inconsistency stems from the fact that the IS_CHECKPOINTED and HAS_FSYNCED_INODE flags' semantics are only reliable after checkpoint writes complete. The patch moves set_dentry_mark() into __write_node_folio() and protects it with the sbi->node_write lock to prevent race conditions and ensure fsck consistency.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability can cause filesystem check (fsck) inconsistencies, where inodes appear checkpointed but still have incorrect flags set, potentially leading to incorrect filesystem state reporting or maintenance issues. There is no indication of direct security exploitation or data corruption beyond fsck inconsistencies. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch has been applied to the Linux kernel to fix this issue by adding proper locking around nat_entry flag usage in the f2fs filesystem code. Users should update to a Linux kernel version that includes this fix once available. Patch status is not explicitly confirmed in the provided data; therefore, check the official Linux kernel advisories for the exact fixed versions and apply updates accordingly.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-7cj6-gq26-374h
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-53368"]
- Ecosystems
- []
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6a5d27b02a4a8d5989132d8f
Added to database: 07/19/2026, 19:38:24 UTC
Last enriched: 07/19/2026, 20:26:36 UTC
Last updated: 09/04/2026, 10:52:09 UTC
Views: 88
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.