Linux Kernel up to 7.2.5 null_blk null_setup_tagset allocation of resources

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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8.7$0-$5k0.00-

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as very critical has been identified in Linux Kernel up to 6.1.187/6.6.156/6.12.109/6.18.51/7.2.5. This impacts the function null_setup_tagset of the component null_blk. Such manipulation leads to allocation of resources. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-2026-90188. The attack can be launched remotely. No exploit exists. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as very critical, has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.1.187/6.6.156/6.12.109/6.18.51/7.2.5. Affected by this issue is the function null_setup_tagset of the component null_blk. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a allocation of resources vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-770. The product allocates a reusable resource or group of resources on behalf of an actor without imposing any restrictions on the size or number of resources that can be allocated, in violation of the intended security policy for that actor. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: null_blk: free global tag_set on init error path If shared_tags is enabled, null_setup_tagset() allocates the global tag_set via null_init_global_tag_set(). If device creation later fails, err_dev destroys the default devices and calls unregister_blkdev(), but never frees the global tag_set. Since module init failed, null_exit() is never invoked, so the global tag_set's tags and maps are permanently leaked. Free the global tag_set in err_dev, matching null_exit() which does if (tag_set.ops) blk_mq_free_tag_set(&tag_set).

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2026-90188 since 09/11/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be launched remotely. Additional levels of successful authentication are required for exploitation. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 09/17/2026). The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1499.

Upgrading to version 6.1.188, 6.6.157, 6.12.110, 6.18.52, 7.2.6 or 7.3-rc1 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 0b2faa330184340d9418ad2c627c2ae881772e33/665c94554ff0d5d88caae7f40c16c8e0a3369eda/2882e1450fa4597811a951196e07553ea134eb31/2b59484ac1e64dd78dbe8c6140891c6308085a75/081cf37e8a0e00cd91d6df53172c9d928790a798/5a1c5ff3a49ba93a1fd0b70537e7a0164071760d is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 9.1
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 8.7

VulDB Base Score: 9.1
VulDB Temp Score: 8.7
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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

Exploitinginfo

Class: Allocation of resources
CWE: CWE-770 / CWE-400 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

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

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.1.188/6.6.157/6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc1
Patch: 0b2faa330184340d9418ad2c627c2ae881772e33/665c94554ff0d5d88caae7f40c16c8e0a3369eda/2882e1450fa4597811a951196e07553ea134eb31/2b59484ac1e64dd78dbe8c6140891c6308085a75/081cf37e8a0e00cd91d6df53172c9d928790a798/5a1c5ff3a49ba93a1fd0b70537e7a0164071760d

Timelineinfo

09/11/2026 CVE reserved
09/17/2026 +6 days Advisory disclosed
09/17/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/17/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-90188 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-90188
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-406712

Entryinfo

Created: 09/17/2026 20:35
Changes: 09/17/2026 20:35 (59)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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