Linux Kernel up to 6.18.6 ext4 ext4_xattr_inode_update_ref reference count

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.5$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.6. The impacted element is the function ext4_xattr_inode_update_ref of the component ext4. Performing a manipulation results in reference count. This vulnerability was named CVE-2026-23145. There is no available exploit. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.18.6. This affects the function ext4_xattr_inode_update_ref of the component ext4. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a reference count vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-911. The product uses a reference count to manage a resource, but it does not update or incorrectly updates the reference count. This is going to have an impact on availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: fix iloc.bh leak in ext4_xattr_inode_update_ref The error branch for ext4_xattr_inode_update_ref forget to release the refcount for iloc.bh. Find this when review code.

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-23145 since 01/13/2026. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 299329 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-23145), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 5.10.249, 5.15.199, 6.1.162, 6.6.122, 6.12.67 or 6.18.7 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 7c9f059c3d531a12d7ad96cd34a44b8af7c00d5f/6241cd1d0acc2363016ac55b8773ba1332dd59d7/3b00c16e42428a1ecd3a5eb9cc37f8ad9bd47626/0b06cde92f2f960f4ebe3c988c69f2711f2a24dc/8e8542c539927ae3898a4d02941f84e252e2dea1/06e26287f2e349a28ad363941ffd9076bfed8b2e/d250bdf531d9cd4096fedbb9f172bb2ca660c868 is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (299329). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.6
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.5

VulDB Base Score: 5.7
VulDB Temp Score: 5.5
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 5.5
NVD Vector: 🔒

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Reference count
CWE: CWE-911 / CWE-664
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 299329
Nessus Name: Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2026-23145

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 5.10.249/5.15.199/6.1.162/6.6.122/6.12.67/6.18.7
Patch: 7c9f059c3d531a12d7ad96cd34a44b8af7c00d5f/6241cd1d0acc2363016ac55b8773ba1332dd59d7/3b00c16e42428a1ecd3a5eb9cc37f8ad9bd47626/0b06cde92f2f960f4ebe3c988c69f2711f2a24dc/8e8542c539927ae3898a4d02941f84e252e2dea1/06e26287f2e349a28ad363941ffd9076bfed8b2e/d250bdf531d9cd4096fedbb9f172bb2ca660c868

Timelineinfo

01/13/2026 CVE reserved
02/14/2026 +32 days Advisory disclosed
02/14/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
03/18/2026 +32 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-23145 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-23145
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-346023

Entryinfo

Created: 02/14/2026 17:54
Updated: 03/18/2026 02:16
Changes: 02/14/2026 17:54 (59), 02/19/2026 10:00 (1), 02/20/2026 09:30 (2), 03/18/2026 02:16 (10)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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