Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc1 btrfs btrfs_init_new_device use after free

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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9.5$5k-$25k0.00+

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc1. It has been classified as very critical. This vulnerability affects the function btrfs_init_new_device of the component btrfs. The manipulation leads to use after free. This vulnerability is listed as CVE-2026-98091. The attack may be initiated remotely. There is no available exploit. Upgrading the affected component is recommended.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as very critical, has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.110/6.18.52/7.2.6/7.3-rc1. This issue affects the function btrfs_init_new_device of the component btrfs. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a use after free vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-416. Referencing memory after it has been freed can cause a program to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. Impacted is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: btrfs: detach failed sprout device from transaction update list When creating the first metadata chunk for a sprout filesystem, create_chunk() adds the new device to the transaction dev_update_list through device->post_commit_list. If the subsequent system chunk creation fails, btrfs_init_new_device() aborts the transaction and releases the device while post_commit_list is still linked. This triggers a warning in btrfs_free_device() and leaves the transaction list referencing freed memory. Detach the device while holding chunk_mutex before releasing it.

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-98091 since 09/25/2026. 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 $5k-$25k at the moment (estimation calculated on 09/25/2026).

Upgrading to version 6.12.111, 6.18.53, 7.2.7 or 7.3-rc2 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch e9e7e37afa85db770e6084360b21a21a8b3a583f/8b001df2b37ca022f710f3254fbb0bcd6d9e1bed/0ea6814bc0ff7cff443241bd34db9f0f828f3190/c93b3c43df561cd9f592cee20ae058b563f9e5b6 is able to eliminate this problem. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Version

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 9.9
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 9.5

VulDB Base Score: 9.9
VulDB Temp Score: 9.5
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: Use after free
CWE: CWE-416 / CWE-119
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 6.12.111/6.18.53/7.2.7/7.3-rc2
Patch: e9e7e37afa85db770e6084360b21a21a8b3a583f/8b001df2b37ca022f710f3254fbb0bcd6d9e1bed/0ea6814bc0ff7cff443241bd34db9f0f828f3190/c93b3c43df561cd9f592cee20ae058b563f9e5b6

Timelineinfo

09/25/2026 Advisory disclosed
09/25/2026 +0 days CVE reserved
09/25/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
09/25/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-98091 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-98091
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-410303

Entryinfo

Created: 09/25/2026 16:38
Changes: 09/25/2026 16:38 (59)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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