CVE-2026-72206
Received Received - Intake

Strict Validation Bypass in Linux Kernel NTFS

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-72206, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

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 block header more strictly Modify ntfs_index_block_inconsisent() to perform stricter validation of INDEX_HEADER geometry in INDX blocks, and update ntfs_lookup_inode_by_name() to use that function to validate INDX blocks.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-15
Last Modified
2026-08-18
Generated
2026-09-04
AI Q&A
2026-08-15
EPSS Evaluated
2026-09-03
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
ntfs ntfs *

Helpful Resources

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 involves insufficient validation of the INDEX_HEADER geometry in INDX blocks used by the NTFS file system. The issue was addressed by modifying the ntfs_index_block_inconsistent() function to enforce stricter checks on these blocks and updating ntfs_lookup_inode_by_name() to use this validation.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's NTFS filesystem handling. Detection requires checking kernel versions and filesystem integrity. Use 'uname -a' to check kernel version and 'mount | grep ntfs' to verify NTFS mounts. Inspect system logs for NTFS-related errors using 'dmesg | grep ntfs' or 'journalctl -k | grep ntfs'.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate NTFS file system structures, potentially leading to denial of service, data corruption, or unauthorized access to sensitive files if exploited.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, or similar standards as it pertains to a specific filesystem validation issue in the Linux kernel. No evidence suggests it impacts data protection, privacy, or security controls required by these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Linux kernel to the latest patched version to resolve the NTFS index block validation issue.

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