CVE-2025-68761 hfs: fix potential use after free in hfs_correct_next_unused_CNID()
A use-after-free flaw in the Linux kernel HFS filesystem allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-68761?
CVE-2025-68761 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Linux, published on 5 Jan 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
hfs: fix potential use after free in hfs_correct_next_unused_CNID()
This code calls hfs_bnode_put(node) which drops the refcount and then dreferences "node" on the next line. It's only safe to use "node" when we're holding a reference so flip these two lines around.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-68761?
How do I fix CVE-2025-68761?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.
Is CVE-2025-68761 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-68761 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as BELL-CVE-2025-68761, GHSA-7r8q-9953-q2xj, UBUNTU-CVE-2025-68761.