CVE-2026-72194
Linux kernel vulnerability
- Published15 Aug 2026
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/ntfs3: add depth limit to indx_find_buffer to prevent stack overflow indx_find_buffer() recursively descends the B+ tree index with no depth limit. A crafted NTFS image with circular index node references causes unbounded recursion, overflowing the kernel stack and panicking the system. This is reachable by mounting a malicious NTFS filesystem (e.g. from a USB drive via desktop automount) and deleting a file whose index entry triggers the rebalancing fallback path in indx_delete_entry(). Add a depth parameter and bail out with -EINVAL when it reaches the fnd->nodes array bound, matching the constraint already enforced by fnd_push() in indx_find(). The related function indx_find() was previously patched for a similar infinite-loop issue (commit 1732053c8a6b), but indx_find_buffer() was missed.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HRemediation
No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1ebd684b8f627f75bc3e03f8b2ad8400fd1f02cd
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/65357a81f64cb3fbe13b4b937586755e4b3a072f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/78612f478f9fadcec4f9b3b089970da67ffb47e9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/908c9243ba309997b73cbda3e4c563d0fb345ee9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/96fb64f9da86fd2dbd78fbe9d9e41ae27e12ce34
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/99031d4f63c785d2a985b6a4c64c4256f7117052
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fdf50c788e0991e42a187ff75479a0df7fb752f1
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2026-72194 being actively exploited?
CVE-2026-72194 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.80%.
How severe is CVE-2026-72194?
CVE-2026-72194 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.80% probability of exploitation.
How do I fix CVE-2026-72194?
Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-72194 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. 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.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.