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CVE Record

CVE-2026-23038: pnfs/flexfiles: Fix memory leak in nfs4_ff_alloc_deviceid_node()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: pnfs/flexfiles: Fix memory leak in nfs4_ff_alloc_deviceid_node() In nfs4_ff_alloc_deviceid_node(), if the allocation for ds_versions fails, the function jumps to the out_scratch label without freeing the already allocated dsaddrs list, leading to a memory leak. Fix this by jumping to the out_err_drain_dsaddrs label, which properly frees the dsaddrs list before cleaning up other resources.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2026-23038 is a Linux kernel memory leak in the pNFS flexfiles client path. A failed allocation can leave an already allocated address list unreleased. The public record does not provide CVSS, exploitation evidence, or confirmed business impact beyond resource leakage risk.

Executive priority

Treat as a kernel maintenance item unless pNFS flexfiles is widely used in critical environments. There is no source evidence of active exploitation or rated severity, but kernel memory leaks can affect availability if repeatedly triggered.

Technical view

In nfs4_ff_alloc_deviceid_node(), failure allocating ds_versions incorrectly jumps to out_scratch, bypassing cleanup of dsaddrs. The fix redirects cleanup through out_err_drain_dsaddrs so the dsaddrs list is freed before other resources are released.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with the NFSv4 pNFS flexfiles code path reachable. The bundle lists Linux kernel versions as affected and provides stable kernel fix commits. Siemens advisories are referenced, but this bundle does not identify specific Siemens affected products.

Exploitation context

The source bundle marks KEV as false and provides no active exploitation report, exploit availability, or attack preconditions. The issue is a cleanup-path memory leak, so practical impact depends on whether an attacker or workload can repeatedly trigger the failed allocation path.

Researcher notes

Evidence supports a specific Linux kernel cleanup bug and fix path. The bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, exploit status, detailed reachability, and Siemens product impact. Avoid claiming remote exploitation without additional vendor or researcher evidence.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to a vendor-supported Linux kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Track distribution and Siemens advisories for product-specific remediation guidance.
  • Prioritize hosts using NFSv4 pNFS flexfiles functionality.
  • If pNFS flexfiles is unnecessary, review vendor guidance for reducing exposure.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions against the affected version list.
  • Confirm whether the stable fix commit is present or backported.
  • Identify systems using NFSv4 pNFS flexfiles mounts or configurations.
  • Review vendor advisories for appliance or embedded Linux exposure.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
11

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2026-23038 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
10Source links

SSVC decision data

CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: partial

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

siemens-SADPADP container
CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxd67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87e, d67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87e, d67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87e, d67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87e, d67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87e, d67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87e, d67ae825a59d639e4d8b82413af84d854617a87eunaffected
LinuxLinux4.0, 0, 5.10.249, 5.15.199, 6.1.162, 6.6.122, 6.12.67, 6.18.7, 6.19affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.