Kernel memory exhaustion via layout stateid leak
Published Sep 11, 2026 · Updated Sep 11, 2026
Resource leak in Linux kernel 7.1 nfsd allows remote attackers to consume kernel memory by racing NFSv4.1 pNFS layout fence handling. The lm_breaker_timedout() path checks delayed_work_pending() after WORK_STRUCT_PENDING is cleared, takes a duplicate sc_count reference, and coalesces a new worker with the running worker without releasing the extra layout stateid reference. Reachability requires an NFSv4.1 server using pNFS layouts and a client-triggered layout fence; repeated races retain kernel objects and can exhaust memory.
Summary
What happened
Resource leak in Linux kernel 7.1 nfsd allows remote attackers to consume kernel memory by racing NFSv4.1 pNFS layout fence handling. The lm_breaker_timedout() path checks delayed_work_pending() after WORK_STRUCT_PENDING is cleared, takes a duplicate sc_count reference, and coalesces a new worker with the running worker without releasing the extra layout stateid reference. Reachability requires an NFSv4.1 server using pNFS layouts and a client-triggered layout fence; repeated races retain kernel objects and can exhaust memory.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-89681
- Published
- Sep 11, 2026
- Updated
- Sep 11, 2026
- Vendor
- The Linux Kernel Organization
- Product
- Linux
- Classifications
- T1499.004
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- Unavailable
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 11, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Sep 11, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=7.1
- Affected versionversion=f52792f484ba2316853736856dde19b7e7458861 <8580571227451384399b3fa53fcde19848c48e5a
- Affected versionversion=f52792f484ba2316853736856dde19b7e7458861 <a278d361e0e8f242211891193d56483a7a9f47a8
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
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Weakness, pattern, technique
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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