CVE-2025-23148 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
soc: samsung: exynos-chipid: Add NULL pointer check in exynos_chipid_probe()
soc_dev_attr->revision could be NULL, thus, a pointer check is added to prevent potential NULL pointer dereference. This is similar to the fix in commit 3027e7b15b02 ("ice: Fix some null pointer dereference issues in ice_ptp.c").
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23148 resides within the Linux kernel's Samsung Exynos chip identifier subsystem, specifically affecting the exynos-chipid driver module. This issue manifests as a potential NULL pointer dereference condition that could lead to system instability or denial of service. The problem occurs within the exynos_chipid_probe() function where the driver attempts to access soc_dev_attr->revision without proper validation of whether this pointer has been initialized. Such a scenario represents a classic security flaw that can be exploited to disrupt system operations or potentially escalate privileges depending on the broader context of kernel execution.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the driver's probe function where the soc_dev_attr->revision field may remain uninitialized or set to NULL during certain operational conditions. This condition creates a path where subsequent code execution attempts to dereference a NULL pointer, leading to a kernel panic or system crash. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-476 as a NULL pointer dereference, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices where programs fail to check for NULL values before using pointers. The static analysis tool used to identify this issue employs automated code inspection techniques that can detect such dangerous pointer usage patterns across the kernel codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability as it affects the reliability of embedded systems that rely on the Samsung Exynos SoC family. When the exynos-chipid driver fails to properly initialize or validate the revision attribute pointer, the entire system may become unresponsive or require manual intervention to recover. This is particularly concerning in production environments where system uptime is critical, as the vulnerability could be triggered through normal device enumeration processes or during system initialization phases. The fix implemented follows established security practices by adding a NULL pointer check, similar to other recent fixes within the kernel ecosystem such as the ice driver patch referenced in commit 3027e7b15b02, which demonstrates the kernel community's awareness and proactive approach to addressing such issues.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves applying the patch that introduces the NULL pointer check in the exynos_chipid_probe() function, ensuring that soc_dev_attr->revision is validated before any access operations occur. This approach aligns with the principle of defense in depth as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where multiple layers of protection are implemented to prevent exploitation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected kernel versions, particularly those running on Samsung Exynos-based hardware platforms. The fix also demonstrates the importance of static analysis tools in modern security practices, as these automated systems can identify potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement regular kernel updates and maintain awareness of security advisories from kernel maintainers and security vendors to ensure comprehensive protection against similar issues.