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Linux Kernel: Potential Infinite Loop in Flexible Proportions Code

CVE-2026-23168
Summary

A rare issue can cause the Linux kernel to enter an infinite loop when handling certain disk operations. This issue is specific to certain setups, like FUSE file systems, and has been fixed in the kernel. To ensure you're protected, update to the latest kernel version.

Original title
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: flex_proportions: make fprop_new_period() hardirq safe Bernd has reported a lockdep splat from flexible proportions code that i...
Original description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

flex_proportions: make fprop_new_period() hardirq safe

Bernd has reported a lockdep splat from flexible proportions code that is
essentially complaining about the following race:

<timer fires>
run_timer_softirq - we are in softirq context
call_timer_fn
writeout_period
fprop_new_period
write_seqcount_begin(&p->sequence);

<hardirq is raised>
...
blk_mq_end_request()
blk_update_request()
ext4_end_bio()
folio_end_writeback()
__wb_writeout_add()
__fprop_add_percpu_max()
if (unlikely(max_frac < FPROP_FRAC_BASE)) {
fprop_fraction_percpu()
seq = read_seqcount_begin(&p->sequence);
- sees odd sequence so loops indefinitely

Note that a deadlock like this is only possible if the bdi has configured
maximum fraction of writeout throughput which is very rare in general but
frequent for example for FUSE bdis. To fix this problem we have to make
sure write section of the sequence counter is irqsafe.
Published: 14 Feb 2026 · Updated: 10 Mar 2026 · First seen: 6 Mar 2026