CVE-2026-99051 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux system administrators, security teams, and developers working with Linux kernels should assess exposure and prioritize verification of affected systems, especially those with multiple inodes accessing fsverity_info concurrently. They should review Linux system configurations, verify system exposure, and apply patches or updates provided by the Linux vendor to address the vulnerability.

Why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's fsverity component can lead to use-after-free errors, potentially causing system instability, privilege escalation, or data corruption. Linux system administrators and security teams should assess exposure and prioritize verification of affected systems.

• Potential system crashes or instability due to use-after-free errors.
• Increased risk of privilege escalation or unauthorized access.
• Need for verification of affected systems and configurations.
• Potential data corruption or integrity issues.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's fsverity component has a use-after-free vulnerability. When __fsverity_get_info() is called concurrently for different inodes, it may lead to a use-after-free error. This occurs because fsverity_remove_info() removes fsverity_info without proper synchronization. The vulnerability can cause system instability, privilege escalation, or data corruption. Linux system administrators and security teams should assess exposure and prioritize verification of affected systems, especially those with multiple inodes accessing fsverity_info concurrently.

Defensive priority

Linux system administrators and security teams should assess exposure and prioritize verification of affected systems, especially those with multiple inodes accessing fsverity_info concurrently.

Recommended defensive actions

• Review Linux system configurations for concurrent inode access patterns.
• Verify system exposure by checking for affected versions and configurations.
• Apply patches or updates provided by the Linux vendor to address the vulnerability.
• Monitor system logs for potential use-after-free errors related to fsverity_info.
• Perform a thorough review of the Linux kernel's fsverity component to understand the vulnerability.
• 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 and source item provide details about the vulnerability in the Linux kernel's fsverity component. References include official CVE Program and NVD records, as well as source references from the Linux kernel repository.

Sources and references

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.