CVE-2026-98139 — linux / linux_kernel
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ntfs: only count successfully cleared runs when freeing clusters
ntfs_cluster_free_from_rl_nolock() adds a run's length to nr_freed whenever the error bookkeeping condition is false, which includes cases where ntfs_bitmap_clear_run() actually failed - e.g. a second run failing with the same errno as an earlier one, or any failure after a non-ENOMEM error was already recorded. Since a failed ntfs_bitmap_clear_run() rolls back its partial modifications, no bits were cleared for that run, yet its length still inflates vol->free_clusters, corrupting statfs output and the allocator's free space gate.
Only count runs whose bitmap clear succeeded.
| Software | Affected versions |
|---|---|
| linux / linux_kernel | >= 7.1, < 7.2.7 |
| linux / linux_kernel | = 7.3-rc1 |
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A security vulnerability is a weakness in software, hardware, or configuration that can be exploited to compromise confidentiality, integrity, or availability. Many vulnerabilities are tracked as CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), which provide a standardized identifier so teams can coordinate patching, mitigation, and risk assessment across tools and vendors.
CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) estimates technical severity, but it doesn't automatically equal business risk. Prioritize using context like internet exposure, affected asset criticality, known exploitation (proof-of-concept or in-the-wild), and whether compensating controls exist. A "Medium" CVSS on an exposed, production system can be more urgent than a "Critical" on an isolated, non-production host.
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Recurring findings usually come from incomplete Asset Discovery, inconsistent patch management, inherited images, and configuration drift. In modern environments, you also need to watch the software supply chain: dependencies, containers, build pipelines, and third-party services can reintroduce the same weakness even after you patch a single host. Unknown or unmanaged assets (often called Shadow IT) are a common reason the same issues resurface.
Use a simple, repeatable triage model: focus first on externally exposed assets, high-value systems (identity, VPN, email, production), vulnerabilities with known exploits, and issues that enable remote code execution or privilege escalation. Then enforce patch SLAs and track progress using consistent metrics so remediation is steady, not reactive.
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