CVE-2025-68351
Reference Count Leak in Linux Kernel exFAT Driver Fixed
Publication date: 2025-12-24
Last updated on: 2026-02-26
Assigner: kernel.org
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.14 |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.14 |
| linux | linux_kernel | 6.14 |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.13.11 (inc) to 6.14 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.12.23 (inc) to 6.12.68 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.12.59 (inc) to 6.13 (exc) |
| linux | linux_kernel | From 6.14.1 (inc) to 6.18.2 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-UNKNOWN |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a reference count leak in the Linux kernel's exFAT filesystem code, specifically in the function exfat_find related to exfat_get_dentry_set. The function exfat_get_dentry_set increases the reference counter of a buffer head (es->bh) on success, but if exfat_put_dentry_set is not called afterwards, the reference count is not properly decremented, causing a leak. The patch fixes this by relocating checks to avoid these possible leaks.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The reference count leak can lead to resource leaks in the kernel, potentially causing increased memory usage or instability in the system over time. While it may not directly lead to immediate security breaches, such leaks can degrade system performance or cause unexpected behavior.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate this vulnerability, update your Linux kernel to the version that includes the patch fixing the refcount leak in exfat_find related to exfat_get_dentry_set. Ensure that the kernel version you use has the fix applied to maintain reference count consistency and avoid leaks.