Linux Kernel 6.12.98 has been released, featuring a minimal update that includes a single backported patch to fix a file descriptor leak in the ext4 filesystem. This leak could lead to EMFILE errors under specific conditions, especially during cross-filesystem extent moves, although such scenarios are rare in typical workloads. The 6.12.y longterm branch remains supported until December 2028, and users are encouraged to apply this update if they are utilizing this version. Additionally, the 6.12 mainline kernel has introduced significant features such as PREEMPT_RT support and changes to the EEVDF scheduler, enhancing performance and stability for real-time and latency-sensitive applications

Linux Kernel 6.12.98 Released: Minimal Stable Update with Single ext4 fd Leak Fix

Linux Kernel 6.12.98 is now available, signed off today by Greg Kroah-Hartman with a changelog barely hitting 1.3 KB. The release contains one backported patch from Wind River fixing a file descriptor leak in ext4's EXT4_IOC_MOVE_EXT ioctl, which can cause EMFILE errors during failed cross-filesystem move extent operations. If you're running the 6.12.y longterm branch, this is the minimal update to apply, though the impact is limited to edge cases involving backup or migration tools triggering the specific validation path. The 6.12.y branch remains supported through December 2028, built on the November 2024 mainline release that introduced EEVDF and PREEMPT_RT support.

Linux Kernel 6.12.98 Released: Minimal Stable Update with Single ext4 fd Leak Fix @ Linux Compatible