CVE-2026-72206: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate index block header more st

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLIST

CVE-2026-72206 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate index block header more strictly Modify ntfs_index_block_inconsisent() to perform stricter validation of INDEX_HEADER geometry in INDX blocks, and update ntfs_lookup_inode_by_name() to use that function to validate INDX blocks.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 54%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2026-08-15
Last modified	2026-08-18

Publisher (CNA): kernel.org

Last updated 2026-08-18 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Timeline

2026-08-15 06:21 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-08-18 07:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · gcl · FIXED · 2.7.1-12.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-ff383a759b · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-ff383a759b

Fedora ELN · mozjs140 · FIXED · 140.13.0-5.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-f7ed0026e0 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-f7ed0026e0

Debian 12 · linux · NOT AFFECTED

Debian 13 · linux · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 10 · kernel · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 6 · kernel · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 7 · kernel · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 7 · kernel-rt · NOT AFFECTED

RHEL 8 · kernel · NOT AFFECTED

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-72206?

No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.

Is CVE-2026-72206 being exploited?

CVE-2026-72206 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-72206 affect?

CVE-2026-72206 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ntfs: validate index block header more strictly Modify ntfs_index_block_inconsisent() to perform stricter validation of INDEX_HEADER geometry in INDX blocks, and update n

How urgent is CVE-2026-72206?

Priority 56/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

Linux kernel vulnerabilities

References

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