CVE-2026-68083
Received Received - Intake

Path Traversal in Linux Kernel ksmbd

Publication date: 2026-08-10

Last updated on: 2026-08-10

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: fix path resolution in ksmbd_vfs_kern_path_create The SMB2 open lookup is rooted at the share with LOOKUP_BENEATH, but the create/mkdir/hardlink sink is not: ksmbd_vfs_kern_path_create() builds an absolute path with convert_to_unix_name() and resolves it from AT_FDCWD via start_creating_path(), so a ".." component is walked from the real filesystem root and escapes the export. An authenticated client races a missing path component so the rooted open lookup returns -ENOENT (taking the create branch) while the same component is present (a directory) when the create walk runs; the create then resolves ".." out of the share. Root the create walk at the share like the lookup and rename paths already are: resolve the parent with vfs_path_parent_lookup(..., LOOKUP_BENEATH, &share_conf->vfs_path) and create the final component with start_creating_noperm(). convert_to_unix_name() then has no callers and is removed.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-10
Last Modified
2026-08-10
Generated
2026-08-10
AI Q&A
2026-08-10
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-68083
EUVD
EUVD-2026-55264

Affected Vendors & Products

Currently, no data is known.

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Exploitability

CWE
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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 involves a path resolution flaw in the ksmbd module. It allows an authenticated client to escape the intended share directory by exploiting a race condition during file operations like create, mkdir, or hardlink. The issue arises because the lookup and create operations handle paths differently, enabling a client to traverse outside the share using '..' components.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's ksmbd implementation and requires kernel-level inspection. Detection involves checking if your system runs a vulnerable kernel version and verifying ksmbd service configurations. Use commands like 'uname -a' to check kernel version and 'systemctl status ksmbd' to verify service status. Inspect logs for SMB-related errors or unusual path resolution attempts.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker with authenticated access to access or modify files outside the intended share directory. This may lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion on the affected system, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA by enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations may face legal penalties, reputational damage, and increased scrutiny due to potential data breaches resulting from this flaw.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version. Disable the ksmbd service if not in use with 'systemctl disable --now ksmbd'. Restrict SMB share access via firewall rules and ensure only trusted clients can connect. Monitor logs for suspicious activity related to path traversal attempts.

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