# CVE-2026-90261: linux: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:  btrfs: zoned: flush active metadata block group...

CVE-2026-90261 is fixed in linux on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-90261 (version 7.2.6-1), released September 23, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-90261
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: n/a
- EPSS: 0.0021
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Sep 17, 2026

## Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:  btrfs: zoned: flush active metadata block group at btree_writepages() start  btree_writepages() writes the btree inode's dirty metadata in ascending logical address order. On a zoned filesystem only one metadata and one system block group is active for writing at a time, and check_bg_is_active() (via btrfs_check_meta_write_pointer()) pivots the active block group as writeback moves from one block group to the next.  If the active block group sits at a higher logical address than another block group that also holds dirty metadata, the ascending walk reaches the lower one first and, to write it, has to finish the active block group and activate the lower one. It cannot finish a block group that still has unsent IO, and during WB_SYNC_ALL && !for_sync (commit) writeback it deliberately refuses to wait for that IO under fs_info->zoned_meta_io_lock, as that can deadlock. The pivot thus cannot issue the submission itself either, so it gives up: btrfs_check_meta_write_pointer() returns -EAGAIN, which btrfs_write_and_wait_transaction() treats as fatal and aborts the transaction, forcing the filesystem read-only. This happens intermittently under metadata-heavy relocation (e.g. fstests btrfs/187).  Flush the active metadata and system block groups at the start of btree_writepages(), under the fs_info->zoned_meta_io_lock it already holds, so they have no unsent IO left and the later pivot can finish them and make forward progress.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | linux Debian 14 | 7.2.6-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-90261](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-90261.md) | Sep 23, 2026 |

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Data as of 2026-11-08T06:59:42Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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