CVE-2026-23355: ata: libata: cancel pending work after clearing deferred_qc
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ata: libata: cancel pending work after clearing deferred_qc
Syzbot reported a WARN_ON() in ata_scsi_deferred_qc_work(), caused by
ap->ops->qc_defer() returning non-zero before issuing the deferred qc.
ata_scsi_schedule_deferred_qc() is called during each command completion.
This function will check if there is a deferred QC, and if
ap->ops->qc_defer() returns zero, meaning that it is possible to queue the
deferred qc at this time (without being deferred), then it will queue the
work which will issue the deferred qc.
Once the work get to run, which can potentially be a very long time after
the work was scheduled, there is a WARN_ON() if ap->ops->qc_defer() returns
non-zero.
While we hold the ap->lock both when assigning and clearing deferred_qc,
and the work itself holds the ap->lock, the code currently does not cancel
the work after clearing the deferred qc.
This means that the following scenario can happen:
1) One or several NCQ commands are queued.
2) A non-NCQ command is queued, gets stored in ap->deferred_qc.
3) Last NCQ command gets completed, work is queued to issue the deferred
qc.
4) Timeout or error happens, ap->deferred_qc is cleared. The queued work is
currently NOT canceled.
5) Port is reset.
6) One or several NCQ commands are queued.
7) A non-NCQ command is queued, gets stored in ap->deferred_qc.
8) Work is finally run. Yet at this time, there is still NCQ commands in
flight.
The work in 8) really belongs to the non-NCQ command in 2), not to the
non-NCQ command in 7). The reason why the work is executed when it is not
supposed to, is because it was never canceled when ap->deferred_qc was
cleared in 4). Thus, ensure that we always cancel the work after clearing
ap->deferred_qc.
Another potential fix would have been to let ata_scsi_deferred_qc_work() do
nothing if ap->ops->qc_defer() returns non-zero. However, canceling the
work when clearing ap->deferred_qc seems slightly more logical, as we hold
the ap->lock when clearing ap->deferred_qc, so we know that the work cannot
be holding the lock. (The function could be waiting for the lock, but that
is okay since it will do nothing if ap->deferred_qc is not set.)
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel storage-driver bug in libata. Under specific ATA command timing, stale deferred work can run after a timeout or reset, causing an internal kernel warning and incorrect command scheduling state. The sources do not provide CVSS, impact severity, or evidence of real-world exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat this as a kernel reliability issue requiring normal patch-management attention, not an emergency exploitation event based on current evidence. Prioritize high-availability Linux systems and storage-sensitive workloads once vendor fixed builds are available.
Technical view
The flaw is a race/state-management issue around ap->deferred_qc and ata_scsi_deferred_qc_work(). Work queued for an earlier deferred non-NCQ command may survive clearing of deferred_qc and later run against a different deferred command while NCQ commands are in flight. The fix cancels pending work after deferred_qc is cleared.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel revisions with libata ATA/SATA storage paths. The provided data lists Linux kernel commit identifiers and stable kernel references, but does not map exposure to specific distributions or packaged kernel builds.
Exploitation context
The bundle states KEV is false and provides no cited evidence of active exploitation or public exploit use. The described trigger depends on kernel storage command timing involving NCQ, non-NCQ commands, timeout or error handling, and port reset behavior.
Researcher notes
Evidence is strongest for root cause and patch direction, because the source text describes the failing scenario and fix. Evidence is incomplete for exploitability, privilege requirements, confidentiality impact, integrity impact, and distribution-level affected versions.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor-supported Linux kernel updates that include the referenced stable fixes.
Check distribution advisories for package names and fixed kernel builds.
Prioritize systems using ATA/SATA storage paths where kernel reliability matters.
Do not deploy ad hoc kernel patches outside normal change control.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions and vendor package release levels.
Check whether the referenced stable commits are present in deployed kernel source or changelog.
Review kernel logs for related libata warnings after storage timeouts or resets.
Confirm vendor advisories before classifying distribution-specific exposure.
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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3Timeline events
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CVE reservedCVE Program
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CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Mar 25, 2026, 10:27 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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