CVE-2025-38342 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
software node: Correct a OOB check in software_node_get_reference_args()
software_node_get_reference_args() wants to get @index-th element, so the property value requires at least '(index + 1) * sizeof(*ref)' bytes but that can not be guaranteed by current OOB check, and may cause OOB for malformed property.
Fix by using as OOB check '((index + 1) * sizeof(*ref) > prop->length)'.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-38342 resides within the Linux kernel's software node subsystem, specifically affecting the software_node_get_reference_args() function. This issue represents a classic out-of-bounds memory access flaw that could potentially be exploited to disrupt system operations or escalate privileges. The software node framework serves as a mechanism for defining device tree nodes programmatically within the kernel, enabling dynamic device configuration and management. When processing device tree properties that contain reference arguments, the kernel must validate memory boundaries to prevent unauthorized access to adjacent memory regions. The flaw manifests when the function attempts to retrieve a specific indexed element from a property value without properly validating that sufficient memory exists for the requested access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from an insufficient bounds checking mechanism within the software_node_get_reference_args() function. The current validation logic fails to properly verify that the requested index-th element can be safely accessed within the property's memory bounds. Specifically, the function requires at least (index + 1) sizeof(ref) bytes of contiguous memory to safely retrieve the requested reference argument, yet the existing out-of-bounds check does not adequately enforce this requirement. This inadequate validation creates a scenario where malformed device tree properties could trigger memory access violations, potentially leading to kernel crashes or more severe security implications. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a direct violation of memory safety principles in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it could enable attackers to craft malicious device tree entries that exploit the memory access flaw. When a system processes these malformed properties during device initialization or runtime configuration, the kernel's memory management could be compromised, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems or virtualized environments where device tree manipulation might occur through untrusted inputs. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and could be leveraged to gain elevated system privileges. The potential for kernel memory corruption makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates at the most privileged level of the operating system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-38342 focus primarily on implementing the corrected bounds checking mechanism that was developed to address the specific flaw. The fix involves replacing the existing out-of-bounds validation with a more robust check that verifies whether ((index + 1) sizeof(ref) > prop->length) before attempting to access the memory region. This change ensures that the requested memory access will not exceed the actual property length, preventing the out-of-bounds condition that previously allowed for memory corruption. System administrators should prioritize applying the kernel patches that contain this fix, particularly in environments where device tree properties might be influenced by untrusted sources. Additional defensive measures include implementing stricter validation of device tree inputs, monitoring for unusual memory access patterns, and maintaining up-to-date kernel versions that include the relevant security patches. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux kernel security documentation and represents a standard approach to correcting memory safety vulnerabilities in kernel space code.