CVE-2026-53125

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: md: fix array_state=clear sysfs deadlock When "clear" is written to array_state, md_attr_store() breaks sysfs active protection so the array can delete itself from its own sysfs store method. However, md_attr_store() currently drops the mddev reference before calling sysfs_unbreak_active_protection(). Once do_md_stop(..., 0) has made the mddev eligible for delayed deletion, the temporary kobject reference taken by sysfs_break_active_protection() can become the last kobject reference protecting the md kobject. That allows sysfs_unbreak_active_protection() to drop the last kobject reference from the current sysfs writer context. kobject teardown then recurses into kernfs removal while the current sysfs node is still being unwound, and lockdep reports recursive locking on kn->active with kernfs_drain() in the call chain. Reproducer on an existing level: 1. Create an md0 linear array and activate it: mknod /dev/md0 b 9 0 echo none > /sys/block/md0/md/metadata_version echo linear > /sys/block/md0/md/level echo 1 > /sys/block/md0/md/raid_disks echo "$(cat /sys/class/block/sdb/dev)" > /sys/block/md0/md/new_dev echo "$(($(cat /sys/class/block/sdb/size) / 2))" > \ /sys/block/md0/md/dev-sdb/size echo 0 > /sys/block/md0/md/dev-sdb/slot echo active > /sys/block/md0/md/array_state 2. Wait briefly for the array to settle, then clear it: sleep 2 echo clear > /sys/block/md0/md/array_state The warning looks like: WARNING: possible recursive locking detected bash/588 is trying to acquire lock: (kn->active#65) at __kernfs_remove+0x157/0x1d0 but task is already holding lock: (kn->active#65) at sysfs_unbreak_active_protection+0x1f/0x40 ... Call Trace: kernfs_drain __kernfs_remove kernfs_remove_by_name_ns sysfs_remove_group sysfs_remove_groups __kobject_del kobject_put md_attr_store kernfs_fop_write_iter vfs_write ksys_write Restore active protection before mddev_put() so the extra sysfs kobject reference is dropped while the mddev is still held alive. The actual md kobject deletion is then deferred until after the sysfs write path has fully returned.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-06-24 17:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-11-06 17:18 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-06-24 17:17 UTC

Last modified

2026-11-06 17:18 UTC

Exploit probability

0.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-667

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 6.18.33
• Linux Kernel < 7.0.10

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

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Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-53125.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-53125. 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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