CVE-2026-64185
Received Received - Intake

sysfs Group Update Failure Leaves Directory in Linux Kernel

Publication date: 2026-07-19

Last updated on: 2026-07-19

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sysfs: don't remove existing directory on update failure When sysfs_update_group() is called for a named group and create_files() fails (e.g. -ENOMEM), internal_create_group() calls kernfs_remove(kn) on the group directory. In the update path, kn was obtained via kernfs_find_and_get() and refers to a directory that already existed before this call. Removing it silently destroys a sysfs group that the caller did not create. Only remove the directory if we created it ourselves. On update failure the directory remains as it is left empty by remove_files() inside create_files(), but can be repopulated by a retry.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-07-19
Last Modified
2026-07-19
Generated
2026-07-20
AI Q&A
2026-07-19
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-64185
EUVD
EUVD-2026-45870

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel *

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Exploitability

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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel occurs when sysfs_update_group() fails during an update of an existing named group. If create_files() fails, the system incorrectly removes the entire group directory, even though it existed before the operation. This destroys sysfs group data unintentionally.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's sysfs subsystem and may lead to unintended removal of existing sysfs directories during update failures. Detection requires checking kernel logs for sysfs update failures or unexpected directory removals. Use commands like 'dmesg | grep sysfs' or 'journalctl -k | grep sysfs' to identify related errors.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this flaw could cause system instability or data loss by removing critical sysfs directories. Users may experience crashes or misbehaving system components relying on sysfs entries. Administrators might face difficulties managing system configurations.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar standards. It involves a kernel-level issue where sysfs directory removal may occur unexpectedly during update failures, but there is no evidence it impacts data protection, privacy, or security controls required by these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address this issue. Monitor sysfs operations for failures and ensure critical directories are not removed unexpectedly. Restart services dependent on sysfs if updates are applied.

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