CVE-2025-71194: btrfs: fix deadlock in wait_current_trans() due to ignored transaction type
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
btrfs: fix deadlock in wait_current_trans() due to ignored transaction type
When wait_current_trans() is called during start_transaction(), it
currently waits for a blocked transaction without considering whether
the given transaction type actually needs to wait for that particular
transaction state. The btrfs_blocked_trans_types[] array already defines
which transaction types should wait for which transaction states, but
this check was missing in wait_current_trans().
This can lead to a deadlock scenario involving two transactions and
pending ordered extents:
1. Transaction A is in TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_DOING state
2. A worker processing an ordered extent calls start_transaction()
with TRANS_JOIN
3. join_transaction() returns -EBUSY because Transaction A is in
TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_DOING
4. Transaction A moves to TRANS_STATE_UNBLOCKED and completes
5. A new Transaction B is created (TRANS_STATE_RUNNING)
6. The ordered extent from step 2 is added to Transaction B's
pending ordered extents
7. Transaction B immediately starts commit by another task and
enters TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_START
8. The worker finally reaches wait_current_trans(), sees Transaction B
in TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_START (a blocked state), and waits
unconditionally
9. However, TRANS_JOIN should NOT wait for TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_START
according to btrfs_blocked_trans_types[]
10. Transaction B is waiting for pending ordered extents to complete
11. Deadlock: Transaction B waits for ordered extent, ordered extent
waits for Transaction B
This can be illustrated by the following call stacks:
CPU0 CPU1
btrfs_finish_ordered_io()
start_transaction(TRANS_JOIN)
join_transaction()
# -EBUSY (Transaction A is
# TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_DOING)
# Transaction A completes
# Transaction B created
# ordered extent added to
# Transaction B's pending list
btrfs_commit_transaction()
# Transaction B enters
# TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_START
# waiting for pending ordered
# extents
wait_current_trans()
# waits for Transaction B
# (should not wait!)
Task bstore_kv_sync in btrfs_commit_transaction waiting for ordered
extents:
__schedule+0x2e7/0x8a0
schedule+0x64/0xe0
btrfs_commit_transaction+0xbf7/0xda0 [btrfs]
btrfs_sync_file+0x342/0x4d0 [btrfs]
__x64_sys_fdatasync+0x4b/0x80
do_syscall_64+0x33/0x40
entry_SYSCALL_64_after_hwframe+0x44/0xa9
Task kworker in wait_current_trans waiting for transaction commit:
Workqueue: btrfs-syno_nocow btrfs_work_helper [btrfs]
__schedule+0x2e7/0x8a0
schedule+0x64/0xe0
wait_current_trans+0xb0/0x110 [btrfs]
start_transaction+0x346/0x5b0 [btrfs]
btrfs_finish_ordered_io.isra.0+0x49b/0x9c0 [btrfs]
btrfs_work_helper+0xe8/0x350 [btrfs]
process_one_work+0x1d3/0x3c0
worker_thread+0x4d/0x3e0
kthread+0x12d/0x150
ret_from_fork+0x1f/0x30
Fix this by passing the transaction type to wait_current_trans() and
checking btrfs_blocked_trans_types[cur_trans->state] against the given
type before deciding to wait. This ensures that transaction types which
are allowed to join during certain blocked states will not unnecessarily
wait and cause deadlocks.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-71194 is a Linux kernel btrfs bug that can deadlock filesystem transactions. Affected systems may hang during file synchronization or ordered I/O, creating an availability risk rather than a data theft risk based on current sources.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability issue for btrfs-dependent systems. Prioritize storage-heavy servers, backup platforms, and appliances where filesystem hangs would disrupt operations. Broader enterprise urgency is lower if btrfs is not used.
Technical view
The btrfs wait_current_trans() path ignored transaction type when deciding whether to wait on blocked transaction states. TRANS_JOIN could wait on TRANS_STATE_COMMIT_START even though btrfs_blocked_trans_types says it should not, causing a deadlock between transaction commit and pending ordered extents.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems using btrfs. Systems not using btrfs are unlikely to be affected by this specific bug. The public record lists Linux kernel versions and stable commits, but distribution-specific affected ranges require vendor confirmation.
Exploitation context
No CISA KEV listing or cited source indicates active exploitation. The described impact is a deadlock under specific btrfs transaction timing involving ordered extents and transaction commits. Sources do not describe remote exploitation or privilege escalation.
Researcher notes
The CVE record provides a detailed race/deadlock scenario and multiple stable kernel commit references. It does not provide CVSS, CWE, proof of active exploitation, or distro-specific package status. Validate exposure through actual btrfs use and kernel lineage.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor-provided Linux kernel updates containing the referenced stable btrfs fixes.
Prioritize servers and appliances actively using btrfs filesystems.
Plan required reboots or maintenance windows after kernel replacement.
If no vendor package is available, follow kernel stable guidance for the referenced fixes.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux hosts using btrfs filesystems.
Compare running kernel packages against vendor advisories for CVE-2025-71194.
Confirm the applicable stable fix commit is present in deployed kernels.
Review logs for hung tasks in btrfs_commit_transaction or wait_current_trans.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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