CVE-2026-31404: NFSD: Defer sub-object cleanup in export put callbacks
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
NFSD: Defer sub-object cleanup in export put callbacks
svc_export_put() calls path_put() and auth_domain_put() immediately
when the last reference drops, before the RCU grace period. RCU
readers in e_show() and c_show() access both ex_path (via
seq_path/d_path) and ex_client->name (via seq_escape) without
holding a reference. If cache_clean removes the entry and drops the
last reference concurrently, the sub-objects are freed while still
in use, producing a NULL pointer dereference in d_path.
Commit 2530766492ec ("nfsd: fix UAF when access ex_uuid or
ex_stats") moved kfree of ex_uuid and ex_stats into the
call_rcu callback, but left path_put() and auth_domain_put() running
before the grace period because both may sleep and call_rcu
callbacks execute in softirq context.
Replace call_rcu/kfree_rcu with queue_rcu_work(), which defers the
callback until after the RCU grace period and executes it in process
context where sleeping is permitted. This allows path_put() and
auth_domain_put() to be moved into the deferred callback alongside
the other resource releases. Apply the same fix to expkey_put(),
which has the identical pattern with ek_path and ek_client.
A dedicated workqueue scopes the shutdown drain to only NFSD
export release work items; flushing the shared
system_unbound_wq would stall on unrelated work from other
subsystems. nfsd_export_shutdown() uses rcu_barrier() followed
by flush_workqueue() to ensure all deferred release callbacks
complete before the export caches are destroyed.
Reviwed-by: Jeff Layton <jlayton@kernel.org>
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A Linux kernel NFSD cleanup race can release export-related objects while they are still being read. This can crash the kernel and may affect confidentiality or integrity according to the supplied CVSS assessment. Exploitation requires local, low-privileged access; no user interaction is required.
Executive priority
Treat affected NFSD servers as a high-priority patching item, particularly systems permitting untrusted local users. Inventory and vendor confirmation should begin promptly. Emergency internet-wide response is not supported by the evidence because the vulnerability is locally reachable and active exploitation is not documented.
Technical view
svc_export_put() and expkey_put() released paths and authentication domains before an RCU grace period, allowing concurrent NFSD export readers to access freed sub-objects. The documented failure is a NULL pointer dereference in d_path. The fix uses queue_rcu_work() and an NFSD-specific workqueue so cleanup occurs after the grace period in sleepable process context.
Likely exposure
Prioritize Linux systems running affected kernels with NFSD enabled, especially shared or multi-user NFS servers where untrusted users have local access. The supplied affected-version data includes 6.14, 6.18.20, 6.19.10, and 7.0, but its boundaries are incomplete; confirm status with the kernel or distribution vendor.
Exploitation context
The supplied CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8 with local access, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. The source bundle marks this CVE as absent from KEV and provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit. Reliable security impact beyond the documented kernel fault is not established here.
Researcher notes
The core issue is premature sub-object release relative to RCU readers in e_show() and c_show(). The repair covers both export and export-key cleanup, uses deferred work because path_put() and auth_domain_put() may sleep, and drains the dedicated workqueue during shutdown. Exact vulnerable and fixed release boundaries require vendor confirmation.
Mitigation direction
Install a vendor kernel update containing the applicable upstream stable fix.
Confirm the distribution's advisory maps the fix to your exact kernel build.
If patching is delayed, restrict local access to affected NFSD servers.
Consider disabling NFSD where it is unnecessary, following vendor operational guidance.
Validation and detection
Record the running kernel build and compare it with vendor vulnerability guidance.
Verify whether NFSD is enabled and serving exports on each system.
Confirm the installed kernel contains the applicable referenced stable commit.
Review kernel logs for d_path faults or NFSD-related NULL pointer dereferences.
Test updated kernels in staging before production rollout.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
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