OpenStack Nova 30.2.2/31.2.1/32.1.1: Flat Image Backend Unsafe Resize
CVE-2026-24708 Published on February 18, 2026
An issue was discovered in OpenStack Nova before 30.2.2, 31 before 31.2.1, and 32 before 32.1.1. By writing a malicious QCOW header to a root or ephemeral disk and then triggering a resize, a user may convince Nova's Flat image backend to call qemu-img without a format restriction, resulting in an unsafe image resize operation that could destroy data on the host system. Only compute nodes using the Flat image backend (usually configured with use_cow_images=False) are affected.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-24708 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality, a high impact on integrity and availability.
Weakness Types
Incorrect Resource Transfer Between Spheres
The product does not properly transfer a resource/behavior to another sphere, or improperly imports a resource/behavior from another sphere, in a manner that provides unintended control over that resource.
External Control of File Name or Path
The software allows user input to control or influence paths or file names that are used in filesystem operations.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-24708
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Affected Versions
OpenStack Nova:- Before 30.2.2 is affected.
- Version 31.0.0 and below 31.2.1 is affected.
- Version 32.0.0 and below 32.1.1 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.