CVE-2025-38367 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
LoongArch: KVM: Avoid overflow with array index
The variable index is modified and reused as array index when modify register EIOINTC_ENABLE. There will be array index overflow problem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-38367 affects the Linux kernel's LoongArch architecture implementation within the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) subsystem. This issue stems from improper handling of array indexing operations when modifying the EIOINTC_ENABLE register, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The problem manifests specifically in the virtualization environment where the kernel must manage interrupt configurations for virtual machines running on LoongArch processors.
The technical flaw occurs when the variable index undergoes modification and subsequent reuse as an array index during the process of updating the EIOINTC_ENABLE register. This register controls interrupt enablement within the virtualized environment, and the improper index calculation leads to an array index overflow condition. The vulnerability represents a classic case of buffer over-read or over-write scenarios that can occur when array bounds are not properly validated after index modifications. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems where array access operations do not properly validate that indices are within acceptable ranges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it could potentially allow attackers to manipulate virtual machine interrupt handling mechanisms. In a KVM environment, this could lead to privilege escalation, denial of service conditions, or even information disclosure if the overflow results in unauthorized memory access patterns. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in virtualized environments where multiple tenants share the same physical hardware, as it could enable one virtual machine to affect the operation of others or compromise the integrity of the host system's interrupt management. The attack surface is limited to systems running LoongArch architecture with KVM virtualization enabled, making it a platform-specific issue that requires targeted mitigation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-38367 should focus on immediate kernel updates that correct the array index handling logic within the KVM subsystem for LoongArch processors. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running virtualized environments on LoongArch hardware. The fix should implement proper bounds checking before any array access operations, ensuring that modified index values remain within valid array boundaries. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous interrupt handling patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to provide additional defense-in-depth measures. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation might involve crafting specific interrupt patterns to trigger the overflow condition, and T1547.001 for registry run keys for persistence mechanisms if exploited at system level.