CVE-2025-38014 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 06/18/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
dmaengine: idxd: Refactor remove call with idxd_cleanup() helper
The idxd_cleanup() helper cleans up perfmon, interrupts, internals and so on. Refactor remove call with the idxd_cleanup() helper to avoid code duplication. Note, this also fixes the missing put_device() for idxd groups, enginces and wqs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-38014 resides within the Linux kernel's dmaengine subsystem, specifically affecting the Intel Data Direct I/O (IDX) driver implementation. This issue represents a code quality and resource management concern rather than a functional security flaw, though it could potentially impact system stability and resource utilization. The IDX driver handles high-performance data movement operations through hardware acceleration, making proper resource cleanup essential for system reliability. The vulnerability manifests in the device removal process where inconsistent cleanup procedures could lead to resource leaks or improper device state management. This type of issue commonly occurs in complex kernel subsystems where multiple cleanup operations must be coordinated properly during device teardown.
The technical flaw stems from code duplication and inconsistent cleanup practices within the IDX driver's remove function. Prior to the fix, the driver's removal process contained redundant code paths and lacked proper resource management for various subsystem components including performance monitoring, interrupt handling, and internal data structures. The implementation failed to properly invoke put_device() calls for idxd groups, engines, and work queues, which are critical operations for proper reference counting and device state management. This pattern of missing device reference releases could lead to memory leaks or dangling references that might manifest as system instability during device hot-plugging scenarios or when multiple devices are repeatedly added and removed. The issue aligns with CWE-404, which describes improper resource cleanup, and CWE-470, addressing the use of insecure functions that could lead to resource management issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code cleanup to potentially affect system stability and resource utilization in production environments. When devices are removed from the system, improper cleanup operations could result in accumulated resources that prevent proper device reinitialization or cause memory fragmentation over time. The missing put_device() calls specifically impact the device reference counting mechanism, which is fundamental to kernel device management and can lead to situations where devices remain in memory even after removal. This could be particularly problematic in high-availability systems or environments with frequent device operations. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing Intel IDX hardware acceleration capabilities, including servers and workstations that leverage high-performance data movement operations. The impact is more pronounced in systems with heavy DMA operations or those that frequently add/remove devices, as the resource leaks could accumulate over time and eventually impact system performance or stability.
The resolution addresses this vulnerability by introducing and implementing the idxd_cleanup() helper function to standardize the removal process. This refactoring eliminates code duplication and ensures consistent cleanup of all subsystem components including perfmon resources, interrupt handlers, and internal data structures. The helper function properly coordinates the release of all device resources through appropriate put_device() calls for idxd groups, engines, and work queues, ensuring proper reference counting and state management. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and proper resource management as outlined in various security frameworks, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for system integrity. The fix also supports the ATT&CK technique T1547.001, which involves establishing persistence through device drivers, by ensuring proper driver lifecycle management. System administrators should update to kernel versions containing this fix to maintain proper device resource management and prevent potential accumulation of stale references that could impact system performance or stability during device operations. The solution demonstrates the importance of proper kernel driver development practices and adherence to resource management best practices in maintaining overall system security and reliability.