CVE-2026-98091
Received Received - Intake

Btrfs Filesystem Transaction List Use-After-Free

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: btrfs: detach failed sprout device from transaction update list When creating the first metadata chunk for a sprout filesystem, create_chunk() adds the new device to the transaction dev_update_list through device->post_commit_list. If the subsequent system chunk creation fails, btrfs_init_new_device() aborts the transaction and releases the device while post_commit_list is still linked. This triggers a warning in btrfs_free_device() and leaves the transaction list referencing freed memory. Detach the device while holding chunk_mutex before releasing it.

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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-2026-98091
EUVD
EUVD-2026-86921

Affected Vendors & Products

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

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Exploitability

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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a flaw in the btrfs filesystem where a device added to a transaction list during metadata chunk creation is not properly detached if subsequent operations fail. This can lead to a use-after-free scenario where the transaction list references freed memory, potentially causing system instability or crashes.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's btrfs filesystem and requires kernel-level inspection. Detection involves checking kernel logs for warnings related to btrfs device handling or transaction list corruption. Use commands like dmesg | grep -i btrfs or journalctl -k | grep -i btrfs to review kernel messages for errors.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could lead to system crashes, data corruption, or unexpected behavior in systems using the btrfs filesystem. If exploited, it may cause denial-of-service conditions or compromise the integrity of stored data.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version that includes the fix for this btrfs vulnerability. Avoid creating sprout filesystems or adding new devices to existing btrfs filesystems until the kernel is patched. Monitor kernel logs for any related errors after updates.

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