CVE-2026-72201

Received Received - Intake

NTFS Index Entry Validation Vulnerability

Publication date: 2026-08-15

Last updated on: 2026-08-18

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate index entries on reading Validate index entries immediately after reading an index root or index block from disk. This eliminates repeated checks in lookup and readdir, and reduce the risk of missing checks in those paths.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-15

Last Modified

2026-08-18

Generated

2026-09-05

AI Q&A

2026-08-15

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-04

NVD

CVE-2026-72201

EUVD

EUVD-2026-58959

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
linux	linux_kernel	*

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a lack of validation of index entries when reading NTFS filesystems. The issue was fixed by adding validation immediately after reading index roots or blocks from disk, which prevents potential missed checks during lookup and directory reading operations.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's NTFS filesystem driver. Detection requires checking the kernel version and verifying if the fix is applied. Use 'uname -r' to check the kernel version and compare it against patched versions. No direct network detection commands are applicable as this is a local filesystem issue.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate NTFS filesystem data to cause incorrect file access or directory listings. It may lead to unauthorized data exposure, corruption, or denial of service if exploited.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA as it pertains to filesystem validation in the Linux kernel. No evidence suggests data exposure or privacy risks that would impact regulatory compliance.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Linux kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, avoid using NTFS filesystems or mount them with strict validation options if available. Monitor kernel security advisories for updates.

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