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CVE-2025-71159

Linux Kernel use-after-free

9.8 CRITICALEPSS 0.24%
  1. Published23 Jan 2026

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: btrfs: fix use-after-free warning in btrfs_get_or_create_delayed_node() Previously, btrfs_get_or_create_delayed_node() set the delayed_node's refcount before acquiring the root->delayed_nodes lock. Commit e8513c012de7 ("btrfs: implement ref_tracker for delayed_nodes") moved refcount_set inside the critical section, which means there is no longer a memory barrier between setting the refcount and setting btrfs_inode->delayed_node. Without that barrier, the stores to node->refs and btrfs_inode->delayed_node may become visible out of order. Another thread can then read btrfs_inode->delayed_node and attempt to increment a refcount that hasn't been set yet, leading to a refcounting bug and a use-after-free warning. The fix is to move refcount_set back to where it was to take advantage of the implicit memory barrier provided by lock acquisition. Because the allocations now happen outside of the lock's critical section, they can use GFP_NOFS instead of GFP_ATOMIC.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork
Attack complexityLow
Privileges requiredNone
User interactionNone
ScopeUnchanged
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Linux Kernel≥ 6.18 < 6.18.6 · 6.19

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2025-71159 being actively exploited?

CVE-2025-71159 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.24%.

How severe is CVE-2025-71159?

CVE-2025-71159 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.24% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2025-71159?

Affected products include Linux Kernel.

How do I fix CVE-2025-71159?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Linux Kernel 6.18.6 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-71159 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.