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CVE-2025-68809

9.1 · CRITICAL

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: vfs: fix race on m_flags in vfs_cache ksmbd maintains delete-on-close and pending-delete state in ksmbd_inode->m_flags.

Published Jan 13, 2026EPSS 0.53%

Overview

CVE-2025-68809 is a critical-severity vulnerability. It was published on January 13, 2026 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 (CRITICAL).

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1, rated CRITICAL. It can be exploited remotely over the network. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.

Technical description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ksmbd: vfs: fix race on m_flags in vfs_cache

ksmbd maintains delete-on-close and pending-delete state in

ksmbd_inode->m_flags. In vfs_cache.c this field is accessed under

inconsistent locking: some paths read and modify m_flags under

ci->m_lock while others do so without taking the lock at all.

Examples:

- ksmbd_query_inode_status() and __ksmbd_inode_close() use

ci->m_lock when checking or updating m_flags.

- ksmbd_inode_pending_delete(), ksmbd_set_inode_pending_delete(),

ksmbd_clear_inode_pending_delete() and ksmbd_fd_set_delete_on_close()

used to read and modify m_flags without ci->m_lock.

This creates a potential data race on m_flags when multiple threads

open, close and delete the same file concurrently. In the worst case

delete-on-close and pending-delete bits can be lost or observed in an

inconsistent state, leading to confusing delete semantics (files that

stay on disk after delete-on-close, or f

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-68809?

CVE-2025-68809 is a critical-severity vulnerability. It was published on January 13, 2026 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 (CRITICAL).

How severe is CVE-2025-68809?

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1, rated CRITICAL. It can be exploited remotely over the network. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2025-68809?

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2025-68809?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2025-68809 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.

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