CVE-2026-93212
Received Received - Intake

Null Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel NFS Server

Vulnerability report for CVE-2026-93212, including description, CVSS score, EPSS score, affected products, exploitability, helpful resources, and attack-flow context.

Publication date: 2026-09-24

Last updated on: 2026-09-24

Assigner: kernel.org

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nfsd: guard nfsd_serv deref in nfsd_file_net_dispose nfsd_file_net_dispose() is the consumer side of l->freeme: the nfsd service thread loop calls it to drain entries that the filecache garbage collector and shrinker append via nfsd_file_dispose_list_delayed(). During per-net teardown, nn->nfsd_serv is cleared before the filecache laundrette is shut down, so the service thread can still run a dispose pass that finds more than eight entries on l->freeme and dereferences a NULL svc_serv: nfsd service thread loop nfsd_file_net_dispose(nn) if (!list_empty(&l->freeme)) { ... svc_wake_up(nn->nfsd_serv); /* nn->nfsd_serv == NULL */ } The sibling helper nfsd_file_dispose_list_delayed() already documents this ordering and caches nn->nfsd_serv into a local before testing it for NULL. nfsd_file_net_dispose() was introduced with the same raw svc_wake_up(nn->nfsd_serv) call and never picked up the guard. Fix by loading nn->nfsd_serv into a local svc_serv pointer and only calling svc_wake_up() when it is non-NULL, matching the pattern in nfsd_file_dispose_list_delayed().

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-24
Last Modified
2026-09-24
Generated
2026-09-24
AI Q&A
2026-09-24
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 Linux kernel vulnerability where a NULL pointer dereference can occur during network filesystem (NFS) service teardown. The issue happens in nfsd_file_net_dispose() when the nfsd service thread tries to wake up a service that has already been cleared (set to NULL) during shutdown. The function fails to check if the service pointer is valid before using it.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's NFS server implementation and may not have direct detection commands. Monitor kernel logs for NFS-related crashes or NULL pointer dereference errors during network filesystem operations. Check for kernel oops messages or system hangs related to nfsd processes.

Impact Analysis

This could cause a system crash or kernel panic if exploited, leading to denial of service. Systems running NFS services are affected, potentially disrupting file sharing operations and requiring a reboot to recover.

Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest Linux kernel security patches to ensure the fix for this NFS server vulnerability is installed. If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling NFS server services temporarily until the patch can be applied to prevent potential exploitation.

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