CVE-2026-97610
Received Received - Intake

Uninitialized Return Value in Linux Kernel Netfs

Publication date: 2026-09-25

Last updated on: 2026-09-25

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfs: Fix uninitialized return value in netfs_unbuffered_write() If preparation of the first subrequest fails, netfs_unbuffered_write() exits its loop before ret is initialized. The empty-iterator check can do the same. For synchronous writes, netfs_unbuffered_write_iter_locked() may then return an unrelated error instead of wreq->error. This is reachable through CIFS if cifs_prepare_write() fails to reopen the file or obtain credits. Initialize ret to 0 so the caller returns wreq->error if no data was written, or the number of bytes already written otherwise. Found with Clang's -Wconditional-uninitialized.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-25
Last Modified
2026-09-25
Generated
2026-09-25
AI Q&A
2026-09-25
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-97610
EUVD
EUVD-2026-86741

Affected Vendors & Products

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

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Exploitability

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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This is a Linux kernel vulnerability where netfs_unbuffered_write() may return an uninitialized error value if preparation of the first subrequest fails. This happens because the return variable 'ret' is not set before exiting the loop, causing the function to return unrelated errors instead of the actual write error.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's netfs subsystem and may not have direct network detection commands. Monitor kernel logs for errors related to netfs_unbuffered_write or CIFS operations. Check for failed file reopen attempts or credit acquisition failures in CIFS.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this flaw could lead to incorrect error reporting during file writes, potentially causing data corruption or unexpected system behavior. It is specifically reachable through CIFS when cifs_prepare_write() fails to reopen files or obtain credits.

Mitigation Strategies

Update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version to resolve this issue. If immediate patching is not possible, monitor for symptoms like unexpected error returns in CIFS operations and ensure proper error handling in applications using netfs.

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