Linux Kernel ntfs ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range memory leak

| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 6.2 | $0-$5k | 0.48 |
Summary
A vulnerability identified as critical has been detected in Linux Kernel. This affects the function ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range of the component ntfs. The manipulation leads to memory leak.
This vulnerability is listed as CVE-2026-72184. The attack may be initiated remotely. There is no available exploit.
Details
A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel (affected version not known) and classified as critical. This issue affects the function ntfs_non_resident_attr_insert_range of the component ntfs. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory leak vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-401. The product does not sufficiently track and release allocated memory after it has been used, which slowly consumes remaining memory. Impacted is availability. The summary by CVE is:
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.
It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-72184 since 08/09/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be initiated remotely. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 08/15/2026). The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1499 according to MITRE ATT&CK.
Applying the patch 7d7f72cb21a829682f6d8968af4fbe413789d1fd/06769b8f23b4b645b270c438649fff79768fb6fe is able to eliminate this problem.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔒VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 6.5VulDB Meta Temp Score: 6.2
VulDB Base Score: 6.5
VulDB Temp Score: 6.2
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv2
| AV | AC | Au | C | I | A |
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| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
| 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 | 💳 |
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: Memory leakCWE: CWE-401 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒
Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes
Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
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| Today | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: PatchStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔒
Patch: 7d7f72cb21a829682f6d8968af4fbe413789d1fd/06769b8f23b4b645b270c438649fff79768fb6fe
Timeline
08/09/2026 CVE reserved08/15/2026 Advisory disclosed
08/15/2026 VulDB entry created
08/15/2026 VulDB entry last update
Sources
Vendor: kernel.orgAdvisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2026-72184 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-72184
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-390623
Entry
Created: 08/15/2026 13:24Changes: 08/15/2026 13:24 (57)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
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