CVE-2026-46072
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Out-of-Bounds Read in Linux Kernel NTFS3 Driver

Publication date: 2026-05-27

Last updated on: 2026-06-01

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs3: add buffer boundary checks to run_unpack() run_unpack() checks `run_buf < run_last` at the top of the while loop but then reads size_size and offset_size bytes via run_unpack_s64() without verifying they fit within the remaining buffer. A crafted NTFS image with truncated run data in an MFT attribute triggers an OOB heap read of up to 15 bytes when the filesystem is mounted. Add boundary checks before each run_unpack_s64() call to ensure the declared field size does not exceed the remaining buffer. Found by fuzzing with a source-patched harness (LibAFL + QEMU).
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-27
Last Modified
2026-06-01
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-27
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-46072
EUVD
EUVD-2026-32454
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability is resolved by adding buffer boundary checks in the Linux kernel's ntfs3 driver, specifically in the run_unpack() function.

To mitigate this vulnerability immediately, you should update your Linux kernel to a version that includes this fix.

Avoid mounting potentially crafted or untrusted NTFS images until the kernel is updated.

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's NTFS3 driver, specifically in the run_unpack() function. The function checks a buffer boundary condition at the start of a loop but then reads certain bytes without verifying if they fit within the remaining buffer. This can lead to an out-of-bounds (OOB) heap read of up to 15 bytes when a specially crafted NTFS image with truncated run data in an MFT attribute is mounted.

The issue was fixed by adding boundary checks before each call to run_unpack_s64() to ensure the field size does not exceed the remaining buffer.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause an out-of-bounds heap read when mounting a maliciously crafted NTFS filesystem image. Such an OOB read may lead to information disclosure or potentially cause system instability or crashes, depending on how the kernel handles the invalid memory access.

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