In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate resident index root values on lookup Resident $INDEX_ROOT values… (CVE-2026-72199)
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate resident index root values on lookup Resident $INDEX_ROOT values carry index header fields that callers consume after lookup. Some callers already validate parts of the layout before walking entries, but those checks are scattered and do not cover all root header invariants, such as entries_offset alignment and lower bound, index_length, and allocated_size consistency. The resident root resize paths now keep these header fields consistent while the value size changes: ntfs_ir_truncate() lowers index.allocated_size before shrinking the resident value, and ntfs_ir_reparent() grows the resident value before publishing a larger root header. Lookup-time validation can therefore cover these invariants without tripping over the driver's own resize paths. Add $INDEX_ROOT to the minimum resident value size table and validate the resident index header fields before returning the attribute from lookup. Require 8-byte aligned index header fields, a sane entries_offset, an index_length within allocated_size, allocated_size within the resident value, and enough entry space for at least an index entry header. The shared validator already rejects non-resident records for resident-only attribute types, including $INDEX_ROOT.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Linux kernel NTFS driver had a vulnerability (CVE-2026-72199) due to incomplete validation of resident $INDEX_ROOT values during lookup operations. Specifically, some index header invariants such as 8-byte alignment of fields, entries_offset bounds, index_length within allocated_size, and allocated_size consistency were not fully validated. This could allow malformed or inconsistent index root values to be processed. The patch added comprehensive validation of these header fields before returning the attribute and ensured internal resize paths maintain header consistency.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability could lead to the Linux kernel processing inconsistent or malformed NTFS index root attributes, potentially causing incorrect behavior or memory corruption within the NTFS driver. No known exploits in the wild have been reported. The impact is limited to the NTFS filesystem driver in the Linux kernel.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix has been implemented in the Linux kernel to validate resident $INDEX_ROOT values properly. Users should update to the fixed kernel version once available. Patch status is not yet confirmed from vendor advisory; check the official Linux kernel release notes or advisories for the specific patch version and remediation guidance.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate resident index root values on lookup Resident $INDEX_ROOT values… (CVE-2026-72199)
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate resident index root values on lookup Resident $INDEX_ROOT values carry index header fields that callers consume after lookup. Some callers already validate parts of the layout before walking entries, but those checks are scattered and do not cover all root header invariants, such as entries_offset alignment and lower bound, index_length, and allocated_size consistency. The resident root resize paths now keep these header fields consistent while the value size changes: ntfs_ir_truncate() lowers index.allocated_size before shrinking the resident value, and ntfs_ir_reparent() grows the resident value before publishing a larger root header. Lookup-time validation can therefore cover these invariants without tripping over the driver's own resize paths. Add $INDEX_ROOT to the minimum resident value size table and validate the resident index header fields before returning the attribute from lookup. Require 8-byte aligned index header fields, a sane entries_offset, an index_length within allocated_size, allocated_size within the resident value, and enough entry space for at least an index entry header. The shared validator already rejects non-resident records for resident-only attribute types, including $INDEX_ROOT.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.8critical
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Linux kernel NTFS driver had a vulnerability (CVE-2026-72199) due to incomplete validation of resident $INDEX_ROOT values during lookup operations. Specifically, some index header invariants such as 8-byte alignment of fields, entries_offset bounds, index_length within allocated_size, and allocated_size consistency were not fully validated. This could allow malformed or inconsistent index root values to be processed. The patch added comprehensive validation of these header fields before returning the attribute and ensured internal resize paths maintain header consistency.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability could lead to the Linux kernel processing inconsistent or malformed NTFS index root attributes, potentially causing incorrect behavior or memory corruption within the NTFS driver. No known exploits in the wild have been reported. The impact is limited to the NTFS filesystem driver in the Linux kernel.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix has been implemented in the Linux kernel to validate resident $INDEX_ROOT values properly. Users should update to the fixed kernel version once available. Patch status is not yet confirmed from vendor advisory; check the official Linux kernel release notes or advisories for the specific patch version and remediation guidance.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-r953-ww6g-j7cw
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-72199"]
Threat ID: 6a808b74bf8831d5394fe739
Added to database: 08/15/2026, 15:53:24 UTC
Last enriched: 08/15/2026, 16:49:19 UTC
Last updated: 09/30/2026, 09:47:10 UTC
Views: 54
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