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CVE-2026-98974 Linux CVE debrief

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS_IOC_EXCHANGE_RANGE operation has been identified. The issue arises when the TO_EOF flag is used, potentially allowing for unintended file size exchanges. This could lead to shared blocks being modified beyond the end of a file, which is not allowed as per file system rules. The vulnerability was addressed through several commits to the Linux kernel, including b361d32b884f8ddcb9bad5d99b69eece648f8e43, cf32eb20dfacfd2e92ce86ba1fece9ae5f98a7d8, 952b5c99a840c2bff1f6645fd5e06e1db6ec2623, and 7dfb218c829c1acb626e0fe92c5fddb9a26a03e9. These changes ensure proper handling of the TO_EOF flag in XFS_IOC_EXCHANGE_RANGE, preventing potential file ...

Vendor
Linux
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-10-23
Original CVE updated
2026-10-24
Advisory published
2026-10-23
Advisory updated
2026-10-24

Who should care

Linux system administrators and users, particularly those utilizing the XFS file system, should assess their exposure and apply patches as necessary to prevent potential file system corruption or data integrity issues.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS_IOC_EXCHANGE_RANGE operation could lead to unintended file size exchanges when using the TO_EOF flag. Defenders should prioritize assessing exposure and applying patches to prevent potential file system corruption or data integrity issues.

  • Verify file system integrity after applying patches.
  • Assess exposure for Linux systems using XFS file systems.
  • Prioritize patching for versions prior to the fixed commits.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's XFS_IOC_EXCHANGE_RANGE operation with the TO_EOF flag can lead to shared blocks being modified beyond the end of a file. This issue has been addressed through multiple commits to the Linux kernel, including b361d32b884f8ddcb9bad5d99b69eece648f8e43, cf32eb20dfacfd2e92ce86ba1fece9ae5f98a7d8, 952b5c99a840c2bff1f6645fd5e06e1db6ec2623, and 7dfb218c829c1acb626e0fe92c5fddb9a26a03e9. These changes address the issue by properly handling the TO_EOF flag in XFS_IOC_EXCHANGE_RANGE, preventing potential file system corruption or data integrity issues. Defenders should prioritize assessing exposure and applying patches for Linux systems using the XFS file system, focusing on versions prior to the fixed

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize assessing exposure and applying patches for Linux systems using the XFS file system, focusing on versions prior to the fixed commits.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Assess Linux system exposure, particularly those using XFS file systems.
  • Verify and apply patches for Linux versions prior to the fixed commits.
  • Monitor system updates and apply patches as they become available.
  • 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.
  • Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was resolved through several commits: b361d32b884f8ddcb9bad5d99b69eece648f8e43, cf32eb20dfacfd2e92ce86ba1fece9ae5f98a7d8, 952b5c99a840c2bff1f6645fd5e06e1db6ec2623, and 7dfb218c829c1acb626e0fe92c5fddb9a26a03e9. These changes address the issue by properly handling the TO_EOF flag in XFS_IOC_EXCHANGE_RANGE.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-98974 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-98974

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

  • CVE-2026-98974 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98974

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

Supplemental references

  • xfs: fix exchange-range-to-eof file size exchange

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/main/cves/2026/98xxx/CVE-2026-98974.json

    cve_program_cvelist_v5

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b361d32b884f8ddcb9bad5d99b69eece648f8e43

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cf32eb20dfacfd2e92ce86ba1fece9ae5f98a7d8

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/952b5c99a840c2bff1f6645fd5e06e1db6ec2623

    Supplemental source

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7dfb218c829c1acb626e0fe92c5fddb9a26a03e9

    Supplemental source

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.