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CVE-2026-63804 Linux CVE debrief

A use-after-free vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's gfs2_qd_dealloc function. The function accesses the superblock object after it has been freed, leading to potential crashes or code execution. This vulnerability can be triggered during unmount when gfs2_quota_cleanup is called, disposing of quota objects via call_rcu and then waiting on sd_kill_wait with a 60-second timeout. If the timeout expires or gfs2_gl_hash_clear triggers additional qd_put calls that schedule more RCU callbacks after the wait completes, gfs2_put_super will proceed to free the superblock while RCU callbacks referencing it are still pending. Linux kernel users and administrators should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to patch their systems.

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-07-19
Original CVE updated
2026-08-17
Advisory published
2026-07-19
Advisory updated
2026-08-17

Who should care

Linux kernel users and administrators, particularly those responsible for system patching and vulnerability management, should be aware of this vulnerability and take steps to patch their systems. This includes reviewing system configurations, ensuring proper quota management, and monitoring system logs for potential exploitation attempts.

Technical summary

The gfs2_qd_dealloc function, called as an RCU callback from gfs2_qd_dispose, accesses the superblock object sdp through qd->qd_sbd after freeing qd. This can happen when gfs2_quota_cleanup is called during unmount, disposing of quota objects via call_rcu and then waiting on sd_kill_wait with a 60-second timeout. If the timeout expires or gfs2_gl_hash_clear triggers additional qd_put calls that schedule more RCU callbacks after the wait completes, gfs2_put_super will proceed to free the superblock while RCU callbacks referencing it are still pending.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patch to update the Linux kernel
  • Review system configurations and ensure proper quota management
  • Monitor system logs for potential exploitation attempts
  • Verify system exposure and assign an owner for follow-up
  • Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
  • Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
  • Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T12:16:53.120Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Received. There is no additional information available about the vulnerability beyond what is provided in the CVE record and NVD entry. Linux kernel users should verify their systems for potential exposure and apply patches or mitigations as needed.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-63804 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-63804

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

  • CVE-2026-63804 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-63804

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

Supplemental references

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4fe388218826df8607ae41a6305df67db08a9093

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8745d9f7e1682c39f0a1578895ac74205e2a6757

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9d0d5ba20cad661f7f287d4c66d2c19022ce2fd0

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b85ef03f726b15047a6fa6d11b639bdf6c0ee4f0

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f9c9ec2c319f843b70ecdf939d48b52d189bc081

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

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.