# Linux kernel patch proposes removal of HPFS file-system driver

> **Key takeaway:** The unmaintained HPFS file-system driver, originally developed for OS/2, is slated for removal from the Linux kernel.

**Published:** 2026-10-23T16:27:08+00:00 
**Source:** Phoronix Benchmarks & Drivers 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/linux-kernel-patch-proposes-removal-of-hpfs-file-system-driv.html 

## Summary
A new patch submitted to the Linux kernel mailing list aims to remove the High Performance File-System (HPFS) driver. Developed by IBM and Microsoft for OS/2, the driver has been unmaintained and lacks support for modern kernel configurations like SMP or PREEMPT. The removal follows the recent removal of the BFS file-system in Linux 7.4.

## Technical limitations and security concerns
- The patch removes **6,969 lines** of code.
- The driver lacks support for **SMP kernel builds** and **PREEMPT kernel configurations**.
- The code is associated with security vulnerability **CVE-2026-97486**, which can cause kernel panics and denial of service.
- The driver is considered orphaned with no active users.

## Why it matters
The removal reduces the kernel's attack surface and code bloat by eliminating obsolete, unmaintained legacy code.