CVE-2026-43158

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's XFS filesystem. When adding extended attributes (xattrs), which are metadata associated with files, to leaf blocks, incorrect adjustments to the freemap can occur. This inconsistency allows the entries array and free space to overlap, leading to an assertion failure. A local user can exploit this to cause the filesystem to shut down, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS).

A local user with the ability to set extended attributes on an XFS filesystem can trigger inconsistent xattr leaf freemap accounting through crafted xattr insertion patterns. This can cause xattr metadata regions to overlap, leading to filesystem corruption detection and XFS shutdown via a reachable assertion. The issue requires the creation of a specific filesystem metadata layout through repeated setxattr operations.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options don't meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.