CVE-2026-31449
Published: April 22, 2026· Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ext4: validate p_idx bounds in ext4_ext_correct_indexes
ext4_ext_correct_indexes() walks up the extent tree correcting
index entries when the first extent in a leaf is modified. Before
accessing path[k].p_idx->ei_block, there is no validation that
p_idx falls within the valid range of index entries for that
level.
If the on-disk extent header contains a corrupted or crafted
eh_entries value, p_idx can point past the end of the allocated
buffer, causing a slab-out-of-bounds read.
Fix this by validating path[k].p_idx against EXT_LAST_INDEX() at
both access sites: before the while loop and inside it. Return
-EFSCORRUPTED if the index pointer is out of range, consistent
with how other bounds violations are handled in the ext4 extent
tree code.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-31449 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.8.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (4)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-31449 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts