CVE-2026-72184 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ntfs: fix hole runlist memory leak in insert range error path
ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range() allocates hole_rl before mapping the whole runlist. If ntfs_attr_map_whole_runlist() fails, the error path drops ni->runlist.lock and returns without freeing hole_rl. This leaks memory of sizeof(*hole_rl) * 2 bytes.
Fix this memory leak by freeing hole_rl before returning from that error path, matching the later error paths in the same function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel represents a memory management flaw within the ntfs file system driver that could lead to resource exhaustion and potential system instability. This issue specifically affects the ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range() function which handles the insertion of new data ranges within non-resident attributes of ntfs file system structures. The problem manifests when the function attempts to map a complete runlist for attribute handling but encounters an error during this process, creating a scenario where allocated memory remains unreleased.
The technical implementation flaw occurs due to improper error handling in the ntfs file system driver's memory management routines. During the execution of ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range(), the code allocates memory for hole_rl structure to manage runlist operations before attempting to map the complete runlist through ntfs_attr_map_whole_runlist(). When this mapping operation fails, the error handling path releases the ni->runlist.lock mutex but neglects to free the previously allocated hole_rl memory block. This creates a memory leak that consumes 2 sizeof(hole_rl) bytes of memory each time the error condition occurs, with the specific size depending on the architecture and system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption as it represents a classic memory leak pattern that can accumulate over time within file system operations. When repeatedly processing ntfs file system attributes where mapping failures occur, the leaked memory fragments progressively consume available system resources, potentially leading to system performance degradation, memory exhaustion, or even system crashes in extreme scenarios. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with ntfs file system support and particularly impacts systems handling large volumes of file system operations involving non-resident attributes.
The fix implemented addresses this issue by ensuring proper resource cleanup within the error handling path of the ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range() function. The solution requires freeing the hole_rl memory allocation before returning from the error path, which aligns the current implementation with other error handling sections within the same function that properly clean up allocated resources. This fix directly addresses the memory leak by ensuring that all allocated resources are released regardless of execution path taken. The resolution follows standard security best practices for memory management and resource cleanup in kernel-level code, preventing potential exploitation through resource exhaustion attacks.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-401: "Improper Release of Memory Before Return" which specifically addresses memory leaks occurring when resources are not properly freed before function return. The fix demonstrates proper defensive programming practices that align with ATT&CK technique T1490: "Inhibit System Recovery" through memory exhaustion mitigation, preventing adversaries from exploiting resource consumption vulnerabilities to disrupt system operations. The patch ensures that all allocated memory within the ntfs file system driver maintains proper lifecycle management, reducing attack surface and improving overall system stability when processing ntfs file system attributes under error conditions.