CVE-2026-31589: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mm: call ->free_folio() directly in folio_unmap_invalidate() We can only call filemap_free_folio() if we have a reference to (or hold a lock on) the mapping. Otherwise, we've already removed the folio from the mapping so it no longer pins the mapping and the mapping can be removed, causing a use-after-free when accessing mapping->a_ops. Follow the same pattern as __remove_mapping() and load the free_folio function pointer before dropping the lock on the mapping. That lets us make filemap_free_folio() static as this was the only caller outside filemap.c.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2026-31589, a critical vulnerability (CVSS 9.8) affecting linux kernel, may affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the vulnerable environment. The exact impact depends on the installed version, exposed interfaces and deployment configuration.

Recommended administrator action

Confirm whether linux kernel is present and compare installed versions with the vendor advisory and NVD record. Apply the vendor patch or documented mitigation; until remediation is complete, reduce exposure of affected interfaces, review relevant logs and monitor for indicators of exploitation. DataHouse can support version verification, managed patching, network exposure reduction, log review and backup validation for dedicated, cloud and colocated environments.

Sources

• NVD
• Reference
• Reference
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• Reference