CVE-2026-89661
Received Received - Intake

Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel NFS Server

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-89661, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-09-11

Last updated on: 2026-09-11

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: NFSD: Prevent post-shutdown use-after-free in unlock_filesystem Writing a filesystem path to /proc/fs/nfsd/unlock_filesystem runs nfsd4_cancel_copy_by_sb() before nfsd_mutex is held and before the handler confirms that nn->nfsd_serv is set. Once nfsd has shut down, nfs4_state_destroy_net() has freed nn->conf_id_hashtbl but left the pointer intact, so the cancel helper iterates freed slab memory as an array of struct list_head and then dereferences a bogus nfs4_client when it takes clp->async_lock. A local administrator holding CAP_SYS_ADMIN can reach this use-after-free by stopping the server and then writing to unlock_filesystem; KASAN reports a slab-use-after-free read in nfsd4_cancel_copy_by_sb(). nfsd4_revoke_states() walks the same state tables and for that reason already runs only under nfsd_mutex with nn->nfsd_serv confirmed present. Move the async COPY cancel into that protected section so every NFSv4 state-table walker on this path observes a running server. Async copies exist only while the server runs, so gating the cancel on nn->nfsd_serv loses nothing.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-11
Last Modified
2026-09-11
Generated
2026-09-12
AI Q&A
2026-09-12
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
EUVD

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's NFS server (NFSD). It occurs when a local administrator with CAP_SYS_ADMIN privileges writes to /proc/fs/nfsd/unlock_filesystem after stopping the NFS server. The vulnerability allows accessing freed memory, potentially leading to system instability or privilege escalation.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's NFS daemon (nfsd) and requires local access with CAP_SYS_ADMIN privileges. Detection involves checking kernel logs for slab-use-after-free errors in nfsd4_cancel_copy_by_sb() or monitoring for crashes in nfsd after stopping the server and writing to /proc/fs/nfsd/unlock_filesystem. Use 'dmesg' or 'journalctl -k' to inspect kernel logs for related errors.

Impact Analysis

A local attacker with CAP_SYS_ADMIN privileges could exploit this to cause a system crash or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could lead to full system compromise, data loss, or denial of service.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance by enabling unauthorized access to systems handling sensitive data. GDPR requires protecting personal data integrity, while HIPAA mandates safeguarding protected health information. A successful exploit could violate these requirements.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address this issue. Restrict CAP_SYS_ADMIN privileges to trusted users. Monitor NFS server logs for crashes or unusual activity. If NFS is not actively used, consider disabling the NFS server service until patched.

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