CVE-2026-23097

CVE-2026-23097 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: migrate: correct lock ordering for hugetlb file folios Syzbot has found a deadlock (analyzed by Lance Yang): 1) Task (5749): Holds folio_lock, then tries to acquire i_mmap_rwsem(read lock). 2) Task (5754): Holds i_mmap_rwsem(write lock), then tries to acquire folio_lock. migrate_pages() -> migrate_hugetlbs() -> unmap_and_move_huge_page() <- Takes folio_lock! -> remove_migration_ptes() -> __rmap_walk_file() -> i_mmap_lock_read() <- Waits for i_mmap_rwsem(read lock)! hugetlbfs_fallocate() -> hugetlbfs_punch_hole() <- Takes i_mmap_rwsem(write lock)! -> hugetlbfs_zero_partial_page() -> filemap_lock_hugetlb_folio() -> filemap_lock_folio() -> __filemap_get_folio <- Waits for folio_lock! The migration path is the one taking locks in the wrong order according to the documentation at the top of mm/rmap.c. So expand the scope of the existing i_mmap_lock to cover the calls to remove_migration_ptes() too. This is (mostly) how it used to be after commit c0d0381ade79. That was removed by 336bf30eb765 for both file & anon hugetlb pages when it should only have been removed for anon hugetlb pages.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-23097?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: migrate: correct lock ordering for hugetlb file folios Syzbot has found a deadlock (analyzed by Lance Yang): 1) Task (5749): Holds folio_lock, then tries to acquire i_mmap_rwsem(read lock). 2) Task (5754): Holds i_mmap_rwsem(write lock), then tries to acquire folio_lock. migrate_pages() -> migrate_hugetlbs() -> unmap_and_move_huge_page() <- Takes folio_lock! -> remove_migration_ptes() -> __rmap_walk_file() -> i_mmap_lock_read() <- Waits for i_mmap_rwsem(read lock)! hugetlbfs_fallocate() -> hugetlbfs_punch_hole() <- Takes i_mmap_rwsem(write lock)! -> hugetlbfs_zero_partial_page() -> filemap_lock_hugetlb_folio() -> filemap_lock_folio() -> __filemap_get_folio <- Waits for folio_lock! The migration path is the one taking locks in the wrong order according to the documentation at the top of mm/rmap.c. So expand the scope of the existing i_mmap_lock to cover the calls to remove_migration_ptes() too. This is (mostly) how it used to be after commit c0d0381ade79. That was removed by 336bf30eb765 for both file & anon hugetlb pages when it should only have been removed for anon hugetlb pages.
How severe is CVE-2026-23097?
CVE-2026-23097 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-2026-23097 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (2nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-23097?
CVE-2026-23097 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 12 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23097?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2026-23097 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-23097 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-5445.
When was CVE-2026-23097 published?
CVE-2026-23097 was published on 2026-02-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (12)

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