ext4: Incorrect Used Inodes Check False Positive

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

31/05/2021

Disclosed on

N/A

Severity

No i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

GSD-2021-1000062: ext4: fix check to prevent false positive report of incorrect used inodes. Affects Kernel versions >= 5012284700775a4e6e3fbe7eac4c543c4874b559, < e18d76a12b34791bc0318a0e0c0fa5863cd8dabf. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The ext4 package is a file system driver for the Linux kernel. It provides support for the fourth extended file system (ext4), which is the default file system for many Linux distributions. The ext4 file system is widely used due to its improved performance and reliability compared to its predecessors. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the ext4 driver that can lead to false positive reports of incorrect used inodes.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the ext4 driver occurs due to a check that can produce false positive reports of incorrect used inodes. This means that the driver may incorrectly report the number of used inodes in the file system, potentially leading to incorrect assumptions about the available space and file system usage. While the impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven, it is important to address this issue to ensure accurate reporting and prevent any potential misuse or mismanagement of the file system.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The ext4 driver vulnerability that can produce false positive reports of incorrect used inodes has been identified and fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.12.3. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to the latest version to ensure accurate reporting and prevent any potential misuse or mismanagement of the file system. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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