CVE-2025-38602 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/19/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
iwlwifi: Add missing check for alloc_ordered_workqueue
Add check for the return value of alloc_ordered_workqueue since it may return NULL pointer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-38602 resides within the Linux kernel's iwlwifi subsystem, specifically affecting wireless network drivers that utilize the iwlwifi module for Intel wireless adapters. This issue represents a critical oversight in error handling that could potentially lead to system instability or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability manifests in the improper handling of memory allocation failures within the workqueue management system, where the kernel fails to validate the return value from the alloc_ordered_workqueue function before proceeding with subsequent operations. The iwlwifi driver is responsible for managing Intel wireless network hardware, including the initialization and operation of wireless communication channels, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems relying on wireless connectivity.
The technical flaw stems from a missing validation check in the driver's initialization routine where alloc_ordered_workqueue is called to establish a workqueue for handling asynchronous tasks related to wireless network operations. When alloc_ordered_workqueue fails to allocate the required memory resources, it returns a NULL pointer instead of a valid workqueue structure. The kernel code fails to verify this return value, causing the driver to proceed with a NULL pointer dereference or invalid workqueue operations. This pattern violates fundamental error handling principles and represents a classic example of inadequate input validation that can lead to system crashes or undefined behavior. According to CWE-252, this vulnerability maps directly to missing checks for error conditions, while the improper handling of NULL pointers aligns with CWE-476, which addresses null pointer dereferences. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ATT&CK technique T1490, which involves data destruction through system resource exhaustion or corruption, as the failure to properly handle allocation errors could lead to system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple driver malfunction, potentially affecting the entire wireless networking stack of affected Linux systems. When the iwlwifi driver fails to properly initialize its workqueue, wireless network connectivity becomes unreliable or completely unavailable, leading to service disruption for users dependent on wireless communications. Systems may experience kernel panics or crashes when the driver attempts to execute workqueue operations on a NULL pointer, resulting in complete system instability. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Intel wireless network adapters that rely on the iwlwifi driver, including various generations of Intel wireless chipsets used in laptops, desktops, and embedded systems. Network administrators and system operators face the risk of unexpected service interruptions, particularly in environments where wireless connectivity is critical for operations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in server environments or embedded systems where wireless connectivity may be used for management interfaces or backup communication channels, potentially creating security risks through service denial.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-38602 should focus on immediate patch application and system hardening measures. The primary fix involves adding proper validation checks for the alloc_ordered_workqueue return value before proceeding with driver initialization. This includes implementing conditional logic that explicitly checks for NULL returns and handles allocation failures gracefully, either by logging appropriate error messages or by failing the driver initialization process. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the patched iwlwifi driver implementation, ensuring that all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual kernel panic patterns or wireless driver failures that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux kernel security documentation and follows established protocols for handling memory allocation failures in kernel space. Organizations should also implement automated patch management processes to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across their infrastructure, particularly for wireless network components that may be vulnerable to similar issues. Regular security audits of kernel modules and driver implementations should be conducted to identify and address similar error handling deficiencies that could lead to system instability or security compromise.