CVE-2026-72382
Received Received - Intake

ksmbd DACL Size Validation Bypass in Linux Kernel

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-72382, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-08-15

Last updated on: 2026-08-15

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: reject undersized DACLs before parsing ACEs parse_dacl() limits the attacker-controlled ACE count by comparing it with the number of minimal ACEs that fit in the DACL size. The DACL size field is 16 bits, but the expression subtracts sizeof(struct smb_acl). Because sizeof() is unsigned, a DACL size smaller than the ACL header underflows to a large size_t. A malicious client can reach this with: SMB2_SET_INFO (InfoType=SMB2_O_INFO_SECURITY) -> smb2_set_info_sec() -> set_info_sec() -> parse_sec_desc() -> parse_dacl() -> init_acl_state(..., 0xffff) -> init_acl_state(..., 0xffff) -> kmalloc_objs(..., 0xffff) Thus a malformed security descriptor can make num_aces pass the guard and drive large temporary ACL state and pointer-array allocations. Reject DACLs smaller than struct smb_acl before doing the subtraction, so the ACE count check cannot be bypassed by the underflow.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-08-15
Last Modified
2026-08-15
Generated
2026-08-15
AI Q&A
2026-08-15
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

Attack-Flow Graph

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a flaw in the ksmbd module where undersized DACLs (Discretionary Access Control Lists) are not properly rejected before parsing ACEs (Access Control Entries). The DACL size field is 16 bits, but due to an underflow issue, a malformed security descriptor can trick the system into allocating large temporary ACL state and pointer-array allocations, potentially leading to resource exhaustion or other issues.

Impact Analysis

A malicious client could exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted SMB2_SET_INFO request with a malformed security descriptor. This could cause the system to allocate excessive memory or crash, leading to denial-of-service conditions or potential unauthorized access if combined with other exploits.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Linux kernel to the latest patched version to resolve the ksmbd DACL parsing vulnerability. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates addressing CVE-2026-72382.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-72382. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart