Heap Buffer Overflow in NTFS-3G

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-46572 is a heap buffer overflow in NTFS-3G before 2026.7.7. It occurs in the ntfs_ib_cut_tail() function in libntfs-3g/index.c when processing malicious NTFS images. An attacker can trigger heap memory corruption in the SUID-root ntfs-3g binary by creating a file in a specially crafted directory.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability requires checking the installed version of NTFS-3G. Run 'ntfs-3g --version' to see if your version is 2026.2.25 or earlier. If so, the system is vulnerable. Additionally, monitor for suspicious NTFS images or directory structures that may trigger the heap overflow.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows an attacker to corrupt heap memory in the SUID-root ntfs-3g binary. This could lead to arbitrary code execution, system crashes, or privilege escalation, potentially compromising the entire system.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially impact compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized memory corruption in a SUID-root binary, which may lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. Such flaws could compromise data confidentiality and integrity, violating principles of least privilege and secure data handling required by these regulations.

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Mitigation Strategies

Update NTFS-3G to version 2026.7.7 or later. Apply available patches for older versions: ntfs-3g_2022.10.3-cve_2026-04_7.patch or ntfs-3g_2026.2.25-cve_2026-04_7.patch. Avoid mounting untrusted NTFS images until patched.

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