CVE-2026-46094
ext4: fix bounds check in check_xattrs() to prevent out-of-bounds access
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: fix bounds check in check_xattrs() to prevent out-of-bounds access The bounds check for the next xattr entry in check_xattrs() uses (void *)next >= end, which allows next to point within sizeof(u32) bytes of end. On the next loop iteration, IS_LAST_ENTRY() reads 4 bytes via *(__u32 *)(entry), which can overrun the valid xattr region. For example, if next lands at end - 1, the check passes since next < end, but IS_LAST_ENTRY() reads 4 bytes starting at end - 1, accessing 3 bytes beyond the valid region. Fix this by changing the check to (void *)next + sizeof(u32) > end, ensuring there is always enough space for the IS_LAST_ENTRY() read on the subsequent iteration.
INFO
Published Date :
May 27, 2026, 2:17 p.m.
Last Modified :
May 27, 2026, 2:48 p.m.
Remotely Exploit :
No
Source :
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
Solution
- Update the Linux kernel to the patched version.
- Apply the specific ext4 patch for check_xattrs bounds.
- Verify that the bounds check logic is corrected.
- Recompile the kernel with the fix.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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associated with the following CWEs:
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)
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approaches employed by adversaries to exploit the CVE-2026-46094
weaknesses.
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New CVE Received by 416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
May. 27, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: fix bounds check in check_xattrs() to prevent out-of-bounds access The bounds check for the next xattr entry in check_xattrs() uses (void *)next >= end, which allows next to point within sizeof(u32) bytes of end. On the next loop iteration, IS_LAST_ENTRY() reads 4 bytes via *(__u32 *)(entry), which can overrun the valid xattr region. For example, if next lands at end - 1, the check passes since next < end, but IS_LAST_ENTRY() reads 4 bytes starting at end - 1, accessing 3 bytes beyond the valid region. Fix this by changing the check to (void *)next + sizeof(u32) > end, ensuring there is always enough space for the IS_LAST_ENTRY() read on the subsequent iteration. Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/520986722dbf869c122252123fc161c7302eab7d Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/537e065977022aa22f2c2503e8accaf16622e0fd Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5a5314d2387633a272a04d1bd8727f99058e4e68 Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ab6da97bc310db35d4e4ef5354bc3ff626b0698c Added Reference https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/eceafc31ea7b42c984ece10d79d505c0bb6615d5