CVE-2026-31477
Published: April 22, 2026· Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Official Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ksmbd: fix memory leaks and NULL deref in smb2_lock()
smb2_lock() has three error handling issues after list_del() detaches
smb_lock from lock_list at no_check_cl:
1) If vfs_lock_file() returns an unexpected error in the non-UNLOCK
path, goto out leaks smb_lock and its flock because the out:
handler only iterates lock_list and rollback_list, neither of
which contains the detached smb_lock.
2) If vfs_lock_file() returns -ENOENT in the UNLOCK path, goto out
leaks smb_lock and flock for the same reason. The error code
returned to the dispatcher is also stale.
3) In the rollback path, smb_flock_init() can return NULL on
allocation failure. The result is dereferenced unconditionally,
causing a kernel NULL pointer dereference. Add a NULL check to
prevent the crash and clean up the bookkeeping; the VFS lock
itself cannot be rolled back without the allocation and will be
released at file or connection teardown.
Fix cases 1 and 2 by hoisting the locks_free_lock()/kfree() to before
the if(!rc) check in the UNLOCK branch so all exit paths share one
free site, and by freeing smb_lock and flock before goto out in the
non-UNLOCK branch. Propagate the correct error code in both cases.
Fix case 3 by wrapping the VFS unlock in an if(rlock) guard and adding
a NULL check for locks_free_lock(rlock) in the shared cleanup.
Found via call-graph analysis using sqry.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-31477 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (6)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2026-31477 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts