CVE-2026-89678
Received Received - Intake

Linux kernel Partial Write Detection Bypass

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-89678, 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: fix partial-write detection in nfsd_direct_write nfsd_direct_write() walks a list of write segments and, after each vfs_iocb_iter_write(), tries to detect a short write so the loop can stop before placing the next segment at a wrong file offset: host_err = vfs_iocb_iter_write(file, kiocb, &segments[i].iter); if (host_err < 0) return host_err; *cnt += host_err; if (host_err < segments[i].iter.count) break; /* partial write */ vfs_iocb_iter_write() runs the iter through ->write_iter(), which advances the iter by the number of bytes written. By the time the check runs, segments[i].iter.count is the residual, not the original request length: before write_iter: iter.count == original_len after write_iter: iter.count == original_len - host_err The condition then reduces to host_err < original_len - host_err, so the break fires only when less than half of the segment was written. Any short write completing between 50% and 99% of the segment slips through; the loop advances to the next segment with kiocb->ki_pos only bumped by the short amount, writing the next segment's payload at the wrong offset and over-reporting *cnt to the NFS client. Snapshot the segment's byte count before the write and compare host_err against that snapshot so any short write breaks the loop.

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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 vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves incorrect detection of partial writes in the nfsd_direct_write function. When writing data, the function fails to properly check if a write operation completed less than the requested amount, leading to data being written at incorrect file offsets. This happens because the residual byte count is used instead of the original request length for the partial write check.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's NFS server implementation and does not have a direct detection method via network or system commands. It requires code inspection or kernel patch verification to confirm exposure. Check if your kernel version includes the fix for nfsd_direct_write by examining kernel source or running uname -a to compare against patched versions.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause data corruption or loss in NFS (Network File System) environments. Files may be written to wrong locations, overwriting existing data or splitting writes across incorrect offsets. It may also lead to inconsistent data reporting to NFS clients, potentially causing application errors or crashes.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that include the fix for nfsd_direct_write. If patching is not immediately possible, disable NFS server functionality or restrict access to NFS shares until the patch is applied. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates addressing this issue.

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