CVE-2020-14385

What it is

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel before 5.9-rc4. A failure of the file system metadata validator in XFS can cause an inode with a valid, user-creatable extended attribute to be flagged as corrupt. This can lead to the filesystem being shutdown, or otherwise rendered inaccessible until it is remounted, leading to a denial of service. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-09-15 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:54 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-09-15 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:54 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-131

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 5.9.0
• Linux Kernel 5.9.0
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 20.04
• Debian Linux 9.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-14385.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-14385. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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