CVE-2026-31452: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: convert inline data to extents when truncate exceeds inline size Add a che...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: convert inline data to extents when truncate exceeds inline size Add a check in ext4_setattr() to convert files from inline data storage to extent-based storage when truncate() grows the file size beyond the inline capacity. This prevents the filesystem from entering an inconsistent state where the inline data flag is set but the file size exceeds what can be stored inline. Without this fix, the following sequence causes a kernel BUG_ON(): 1. Mount filesystem with inode that has inline flag set and small size 2. truncate(file, 50MB) - grows size but inline flag remains set 3. sendfile() attempts to write data 4. ext4_write_inline_data() hits BUG_ON(write_size > inline_capacity) The crash occurs because ext4_write_inline_data() expects inline storage to accommodate the write, but the actual inline capacity (~60 bytes for i_block + ~96 bytes for xattrs) is far smaller than the file size and write request. The fix checks if the new size from setattr exceeds the inode's actual inline capacity (EXT4_I(inode)->i_inline_size) and converts the file to extent-based storage before proceeding with the size change. This addresses the root cause by ensuring the inline data flag and file size remain consistent during truncate operations.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.13%

2.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-787

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 3.8, < 5.10.253	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.11, < 5.15.203	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.16, < 6.1.168	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.2, < 6.6.131	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.7, < 6.12.80	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.13, < 6.18.21	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.19, < 6.19.11	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	7.0	Rc1

References

Timeline

Published: Apr 22, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-31452?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: convert inline data to extents when truncate exceeds inline size Add a check in ext4_setattr() to convert files from inline data storage to extent-based storage when truncate() grows the file size beyond the inline capacity. This prevents the filesystem from entering an inconsistent state where the inline data flag is set but the file size exceeds what can be stored inline. Without this fix, the following sequence causes a kernel BUG_ON(): 1. Mount filesystem with inode that has inline flag set and small size 2. truncate(file, 50MB) - grows size but inline flag remains set 3. sendfile() attempts to write data 4. ext4_write_inline_data() hits BUG_ON(write_size > inline_capacity) The crash occurs because ext4_write_inline_data() expects inline storage to accommodate the write, but the actual inline capacity (~60 bytes for i_block + ~96 bytes for xattrs) is far smaller than the file size and write request. The fix checks if the new size from setattr exceeds the inode's actual inline capacity (EXT4_I(inode)->i_inline_size) and converts the file to extent-based storage before proceeding with the size change. This addresses the root cause by ensuring the inline data flag and file size remain consistent during truncate operations.

How severe is CVE-2026-31452?

CVE-2026-31452 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.13% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-31452?

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.