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CVE Record

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>

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

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.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

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-2026-31404 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2026-31404Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxc224edca7af028828e2ad866b61d731b5e72b46d, c224edca7af028828e2ad866b61d731b5e72b46d, c224edca7af028828e2ad866b61d731b5e72b46dunaffected
LinuxLinux6.14, 0, 6.18.20, 6.19.10, 7.0affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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