CVE-2023-53526

CVE-2023-53526 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: jbd2: check 'jh->b_transaction' before removing it from checkpoint Following process will corrupt ext4 image: Step 1: jbd2_journal_commit_transaction __jbd2_journal_insert_checkpoint(jh, commit_transaction) // Put jh into trans1->t_checkpoint_list journal->j_checkpoint_transactions = commit_transaction // Put trans1 into journal->j_checkpoint_transactions Step 2: do_get_write_access test_clear_buffer_dirty(bh) // clear buffer dirty，set jbd dirty __jbd2_journal_file_buffer(jh, transaction) // jh belongs to trans2 Step 3: drop_cache journal_shrink_one_cp_list jbd2_journal_try_remove_checkpoint if (!trylock_buffer(bh)) // lock bh, true if (buffer_dirty(bh)) // buffer is not dirty __jbd2_journal_remove_checkpoint(jh) // remove jh from trans1->t_checkpoint_list Step 4: jbd2_log_do_checkpoint trans1 = journal->j_checkpoint_transactions // jh is not in trans1->t_checkpoint_list jbd2_cleanup_journal_tail(journal) // trans1 is done Step 5: Power cut, trans2 is not committed, jh is lost in next mounting. Fix it by checking 'jh->b_transaction' before remove it from checkpoint.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-53526?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: jbd2: check 'jh->b_transaction' before removing it from checkpoint Following process will corrupt ext4 image: Step 1: jbd2_journal_commit_transaction __jbd2_journal_insert_checkpoint(jh, commit_transaction) // Put jh into trans1->t_checkpoint_list journal->j_checkpoint_transactions = commit_transaction // Put trans1 into journal->j_checkpoint_transactions Step 2: do_get_write_access test_clear_buffer_dirty(bh) // clear buffer dirty，set jbd dirty __jbd2_journal_file_buffer(jh, transaction) // jh belongs to trans2 Step 3: drop_cache journal_shrink_one_cp_list jbd2_journal_try_remove_checkpoint if (!trylock_buffer(bh)) // lock bh, true if (buffer_dirty(bh)) // buffer is not dirty __jbd2_journal_remove_checkpoint(jh) // remove jh from trans1->t_checkpoint_list Step 4: jbd2_log_do_checkpoint trans1 = journal->j_checkpoint_transactions // jh is not in trans1->t_checkpoint_list jbd2_cleanup_journal_tail(journal) // trans1 is done Step 5: Power cut, trans2 is not committed, jh is lost in next mounting. Fix it by checking 'jh->b_transaction' before remove it from checkpoint.
How severe is CVE-2023-53526?
CVE-2023-53526 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-53526 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (3rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-53526?
CVE-2023-53526 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-53526?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2023-53526 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2023-53526 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-32736.
When was CVE-2023-53526 published?
CVE-2023-53526 was published on 2025-10-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

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