In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfs: handle NULL b_addr in xfs_buf_free When xfs_buf_alloc_backing_mem() fails,… (CVE-2026-74728)
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS filesystem code occurs when xfs_buf_alloc_backing_mem() fails, leading to a NULL pointer dereference in xfs_buf_free(). This causes a kernel crash due to an invalid memory access when folio_put() is called with a NULL address. The issue is fixed by skipping folio_put() when the buffer address is NULL.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS filesystem arises from improper handling of a NULL pointer in the xfs_buf_free() function. Specifically, when xfs_buf_alloc_backing_mem() fails, the buffer pointer bp->b_addr remains NULL, but xfs_buf_free() proceeds to call folio_put() on this NULL pointer via virt_to_folio(NULL), causing a kernel crash. The fix involves adding a check to skip folio_put() if bp->b_addr is NULL, preventing the invalid memory dereference.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability leads to a denial of service via a kernel crash when the affected code path is triggered. There is no indication of privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. The impact is limited to system stability disruption due to the kernel panic.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. The fix involves modifying xfs_buf_free() to skip folio_put() when bp->b_addr is NULL. Until an official patch is available, avoid triggering the vulnerable code path if possible.
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfs: handle NULL b_addr in xfs_buf_free When xfs_buf_alloc_backing_mem() fails,… (CVE-2026-74728)
Description
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS filesystem code occurs when xfs_buf_alloc_backing_mem() fails, leading to a NULL pointer dereference in xfs_buf_free(). This causes a kernel crash due to an invalid memory access when folio_put() is called with a NULL address. The issue is fixed by skipping folio_put() when the buffer address is NULL.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS filesystem arises from improper handling of a NULL pointer in the xfs_buf_free() function. Specifically, when xfs_buf_alloc_backing_mem() fails, the buffer pointer bp->b_addr remains NULL, but xfs_buf_free() proceeds to call folio_put() on this NULL pointer via virt_to_folio(NULL), causing a kernel crash. The fix involves adding a check to skip folio_put() if bp->b_addr is NULL, preventing the invalid memory dereference.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability leads to a denial of service via a kernel crash when the affected code path is triggered. There is no indication of privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. The impact is limited to system stability disruption due to the kernel panic.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. The fix involves modifying xfs_buf_free() to skip folio_put() when bp->b_addr is NULL. Until an official patch is available, avoid triggering the vulnerable code path if possible.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-rrpq-4xmf-c84j
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-74728"]
- Ecosystems
- []
- Database Specific Severity
- null
- Cvss Version
- null
Threat ID: 6a8a27f0acd9273b499bc6c7
Added to database: 08/22/2026, 22:51:28 UTC
Last enriched: 08/23/2026, 00:55:32 UTC
Last updated: 08/23/2026, 02:52:01 UTC
Views: 2
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