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CVE-2024-14027 Linux CVE debrief

CVE-2024-14027 is a Linux kernel vulnerability caused by a missing fdput() call in the fremovexattr() syscall error path. This vulnerability allows an unprivileged local user to cause kernel memory exhaustion by permanently leaking one file reference per call. The issue was inadvertently fixed by commit a71874379ec8 (“xattr: switch to CLASS(fd)”). The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.5 and a severity of MEDIUM. The CVE was published on March 9, 2026, and last modified on June 26, 2026.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
MEDIUM 5.5
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-03-09
Original CVE updated
2026-06-26
Advisory published
2026-03-09
Advisory updated
2026-06-26

Who should care

Linux kernel users and administrators should be aware of this vulnerability, as it can be exploited by an unprivileged local user to cause kernel memory exhaustion. This vulnerability may affect Linux kernel versions 6.6.51 to 6.6.133 and 6.10.10 to 6.12.77. Users and administrators of affected systems should apply the available patches to mitigate the vulnerability.

Technical summary

The fremovexattr() syscall in the Linux kernel calls fdget() to acquire a file reference but returns early without calling fdput() when strncpy_from_user() fails on the name argument. This causes a permanent leak of one file reference per call, pinning the struct file and associated kernel objects in memory. An unprivileged local user can exploit this to cause kernel memory exhaustion. The vulnerability is caused by a missing fdput() call in the error path of the fremovexattr() syscall.

Defensive priority

Apply patches to fix the vulnerability. Review and update Linux kernel versions to ensure they are not affected by this vulnerability.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply patches from Linux kernel repositories.
  • Review and update Linux kernel versions to ensure they are not affected by this vulnerability.
  • Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts.
  • Implement compensating controls to detect and prevent potential exploitation.
  • Perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2024-14027 vulnerability was published on March 9, 2026, and last modified on June 26, 2026. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.5 and a severity of MEDIUM. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions 6.6.51 to 6.6.133 and 6.10.10 to 6.12.77.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2024-14027 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-14027

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2024-14027 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-14027

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9a3a2ae5efbbcaed37551218abed94e23c537157

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a71874379ec8c6e788a61d71b3ad014a8d9a5c08

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d151b94967c8247005435b63fc60f8f4baa320da

    416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67 - Patch

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.