CVE-2026-98959 Linux Kernel btrfs - Data Corruption

Linux kernel btrfs contains a data corruption vulnerability caused by improper initialization of btrfs_dir_item when replacing xattrs of different sizes in packed items, letting local attackers cause filesystem corruption, exploit requires ability to set extended attributes.

CVSS base score 9.8 /10
Critical
CISA KEV
Not listed
Public exploit
None known
Authentication
Not required
EPSS
0.21% chance of exploitation in 30 days
View the NVD record ↗

Details

Type
Data Corruption
Impact
Data Tampering, Denial Of Service
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Published
23 October 2026
Updated
25 October 2026

Vendor fix

Update to the latest Linux kernel version containing the btrfs fix.

Patching closes this CVE. It does not tell you which of your systems run the affected version, or what else is exposed alongside them.

References

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