CVE-2025-71265: fs: ntfs3: fix infinite loop in attr_load_runs_range on inconsistent metadata
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fs: ntfs3: fix infinite loop in attr_load_runs_range on inconsistent metadata
We found an infinite loop bug in the ntfs3 file system that can lead to a
Denial-of-Service (DoS) condition.
A malformed NTFS image can cause an infinite loop when an attribute header
indicates an empty run list, while directory entries reference it as
containing actual data. In NTFS, setting evcn=-1 with svcn=0 is a valid way
to represent an empty run list, and run_unpack() correctly handles this by
checking if evcn + 1 equals svcn and returning early without parsing any run
data. However, this creates a problem when there is metadata inconsistency,
where the attribute header claims to be empty (evcn=-1) but the caller
expects to read actual data. When run_unpack() immediately returns success
upon seeing this condition, it leaves the runs_tree uninitialized with
run->runs as a NULL. The calling function attr_load_runs_range() assumes
that a successful return means that the runs were loaded and sets clen to 0,
expecting the next run_lookup_entry() call to succeed. Because runs_tree
remains uninitialized, run_lookup_entry() continues to fail, and the loop
increments vcn by zero (vcn += 0), leading to an infinite loop.
This patch adds a retry counter to detect when run_lookup_entry() fails
consecutively after attr_load_runs_vcn(). If the run is still not found on
the second attempt, it indicates corrupted metadata and returns -EINVAL,
preventing the Denial-of-Service (DoS) vulnerability.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-71265 is a Linux kernel denial-of-service issue in the ntfs3 filesystem driver. A malformed NTFS image can trigger an infinite loop, potentially hanging affected processing when the image is mounted or read. There is no evidence in the bundle of active exploitation or data compromise.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability risk, not a confirmed breach issue. Prioritize patching systems that ingest external storage or disk images, especially operational environments where a hang could disrupt service or incident response.
Technical view
The bug is in ntfs3 attr_load_runs_range handling of inconsistent metadata. run_unpack can return success for an empty run list, leaving runs_tree uninitialized. attr_load_runs_range then repeatedly fails run_lookup_entry and advances vcn by zero. The fix adds retry detection and returns -EINVAL for corrupted metadata.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems that mount NTFS filesystems, removable media, disk images, or user-supplied storage artifacts using ntfs3. Systems that never process NTFS images are less exposed. Exact distro and vendor package impact must be checked against vendor advisories.
Exploitation context
The source describes a malformed NTFS image causing denial of service. KEV is false, and the bundle provides no cited evidence of active exploitation, public exploit use, privilege escalation, remote code execution, or data theft.
Researcher notes
The key condition is inconsistent NTFS metadata: evcn=-1 with svcn=0 reports an empty run list while callers expect data. The patch behavior described is defensive error return after repeated lookup failure. Source details are sufficient for triage but lack CVSS and distro-specific package mappings.
Mitigation direction
Apply kernel or vendor updates containing the referenced ntfs3 fix.
Check Linux distribution advisories for CVE-2025-71265 package status.
Avoid mounting untrusted NTFS images or removable media until patched.
Review Siemens advisories if using affected industrial products.
Limit NTFS automount workflows on systems that process external media.
Validation and detection
Inventory hosts that mount NTFS using the Linux ntfs3 driver.
Compare running kernel packages with vendor CVE-2025-71265 guidance.
Confirm patched kernels include the referenced stable ntfs3 commits.
Review automount and removable-media handling for untrusted NTFS exposure.
Document any Siemens products mapped to SSA-082556 or SSA-019113.
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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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
10Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
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CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Mar 18, 2026, 10:05 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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