CVE-2025-22052 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
staging: gpib: Fix Oops after disconnect in ni_usb
If the usb dongle is disconnected subsequent calls to the driver cause a NULL dereference Oops as the bus_interface is set to NULL on disconnect.
This problem was introduced by setting usb_dev from the bus_interface for dev_xxx messages.
Previously bus_interface was checked for NULL only in the the functions directly calling usb_fill_bulk_urb or usb_control_msg.
Check for valid bus_interface on all interface entry points and return -ENODEV if it is NULL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-22052 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) staging driver, specifically affecting the ni_usb device implementation. This flaw occurs when a USB dongle is disconnected from the system, creating a scenario where subsequent driver calls attempt to access a NULL pointer that was previously assigned to the bus_interface structure. The issue fundamentally stems from improper null validation during device state transitions, leading to kernel oops conditions that can result in system crashes and potential denial of service attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the kernel's device management subsystem where proper error handling is essential for system stability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of device state transitions within the USB GPIB driver. When the USB dongle is disconnected, the bus_interface pointer is set to NULL as part of the cleanup process, but subsequent function calls do not properly validate this critical pointer before dereferencing it. This design flaw was introduced when the driver was modified to set usb_dev from the bus_interface for dev_xxx messages, eliminating the previous safety checks that only occurred in functions directly calling usb_fill_bulk_urb or usb_control_msg. The absence of comprehensive null pointer validation across all interface entry points creates a window where any subsequent call to the driver after disconnection can trigger a kernel oops condition. This pattern violates fundamental kernel programming practices and represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that can be exploited to crash the kernel or potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-22052 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can affect industrial automation systems, scientific instrumentation, and embedded devices that rely on GPIB communication protocols. Systems using National Instruments USB GPIB devices are particularly vulnerable, as the disconnection event can occur during normal operation or maintenance procedures, leading to unexpected system failures. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only the physical disconnection of the USB device, making it accessible to attackers with physical access to the system or those capable of triggering device disconnection events. This makes it a significant concern for environments where system reliability is paramount, such as manufacturing automation, laboratory equipment, and critical infrastructure monitoring systems. The potential for denial of service attacks is particularly severe given that kernel-level crashes can compromise the entire system's stability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive null pointer validation across all driver entry points and ensuring proper device state management during disconnection events. The recommended fix involves adding explicit checks for valid bus_interface pointers at all interface entry points and returning appropriate error codes such as -ENODEV when the interface is invalid. This approach aligns with the principles outlined in CWE-476, which addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities, and follows the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques for kernel-level security. System administrators should ensure that affected kernel versions are updated promptly and that proper device management procedures are implemented to minimize the risk of exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual device disconnection patterns and implementing robust error handling in applications that interact with GPIB devices can provide additional layers of defense against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The fix demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation and proper error handling in kernel space code, as specified by security standards and best practices for secure systems development.