CVE-2026-46094 ext4: fix bounds check in check_xattrs() to prevent out-of-bounds access
A bounds check flaw in the Linux kernel ext4 filesystem allows out-of-bounds memory access, potentially leading to crashes or information disclosure.
- 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-2026-46094?
CVE-2026-46094 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 27 May 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:
ext4: fix bounds check in check_xattrs() to prevent out-of-bounds access
The bounds check for the next xattr entry in check_xattrs() uses (void *)next >= end, which allows next to point within sizeof(u32) bytes of end. On the next loop iteration, IS_LAST_ENTRY() reads 4 bytes via *(__u32 *)(entry), which can overrun the valid xattr region.
For example, if next lands at end - 1, the check passes since next < end, but IS_LAST_ENTRY() reads 4 bytes starting at end - 1, accessing 3 bytes beyond the valid region.
Fix this by changing the check to (void *)next + sizeof(u32) > end, ensuring there is always enough space for the IS_LAST_ENTRY() read on the subsequent iteration.
Weakness: CWE-125
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-46094?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2026-46094?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2026-46094 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-46094 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as AZL-88617, BELL-CVE-2026-46094, DEBIAN-CVE-2026-46094, GHSA-vjw4-hv65-7vhq, ROOT-OS-UBUNTU-2404-CVE-2026-46094, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-46094.