CVE-2025-71309: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/ntfs3: fix deadlock in ni_read_folio_cmpr Syzbot reported a task hung in ni_r...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/ntfs3: fix deadlock in ni_read_folio_cmpr Syzbot reported a task hung in ni_readpage_cmpr (now ni_read_folio_cmpr). This is caused by a lock inversion deadlock involving the inode mutex (ni_lock) and page locks. Scenario: 1. Task A enters ntfs_read_folio() for page X. It acquires ni_lock. 2. Task A calls ni_read_folio_cmpr(), which attempts to lock all pages in the compressed frame (including page Y). 3. Concurrently, Task B (e.g., via readahead) has locked page Y and calls ntfs_read_folio(). 4. Task B waits for ni_lock (held by A). 5. Task A waits for page Y lock (held by B). -> DEADLOCK. The fix is to restructure locking: do not take ni_lock in ntfs_read_folio(). Instead, acquire ni_lock inside ni_read_folio_cmpr() ONLY AFTER all required page locks for the frame have been successfully acquired. This restores the correct lock ordering (Page Lock -> ni_lock) consistent with VFS. [almaz.alexandrovich@paragon-software.com: ni_readpage_cmpr was renamed to ni_read_folio_cmpr]

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.11%

1.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-667

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.19, < 6.19.4

References

Timeline

Published: May 27, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 25, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-71309?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/ntfs3: fix deadlock in ni_read_folio_cmpr Syzbot reported a task hung in ni_readpage_cmpr (now ni_read_folio_cmpr). This is caused by a lock inversion deadlock involving the inode mutex (ni_lock) and page locks. Scenario: 1. Task A enters ntfs_read_folio() for page X. It acquires ni_lock. 2. Task A calls ni_read_folio_cmpr(), which attempts to lock all pages in the compressed frame (including page Y). 3. Concurrently, Task B (e.g., via readahead) has locked page Y and calls ntfs_read_folio(). 4. Task B waits for ni_lock (held by A). 5. Task A waits for page Y lock (held by B). -> DEADLOCK. The fix is to restructure locking: do not take ni_lock in ntfs_read_folio(). Instead, acquire ni_lock inside ni_read_folio_cmpr() ONLY AFTER all required page locks for the frame have been successfully acquired. This restores the correct lock ordering (Page Lock -> ni_lock) consistent with VFS. [almaz.alexandrovich@paragon-software.com: ni_readpage_cmpr was renamed to ni_read_folio_cmpr]

How severe is CVE-2025-71309?

CVE-2025-71309 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.11% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2025-71309?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.