CVE-2025-68730 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
accel/ivpu: Fix page fault in ivpu_bo_unbind_all_bos_from_context()
Don't add BO to the vdev->bo_list in ivpu_gem_create_object(). When failure happens inside drm_gem_shmem_create(), the BO is not fully created and ivpu_gem_bo_free() callback will not be called causing a deleted BO to be left on the list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-68730 represents a critical memory management flaw within the Linux kernel's Intel iGPU driver subsystem, specifically affecting the ivpu (Intel Video Processing Unit) component. This issue stems from improper handling of buffer object lifecycle management during the creation process, creating a scenario where partially constructed graphics buffer objects remain referenced in system memory even after they should have been destroyed. The vulnerability manifests in the acceleration framework's handling of GPU memory operations, particularly when dealing with the binding and unbinding of buffer objects within the device context. The flaw occurs during the initialization sequence where the driver attempts to create shared memory buffer objects for GPU processing, but fails to properly clean up references when creation operations encounter errors.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper synchronization between the buffer object creation process and the tracking mechanisms within the device's buffer object list. When the drm_gem_shmem_create() function fails to complete successfully, the system does not properly invoke the ivpu_gem_bo_free() callback function that would normally clean up the buffer object reference. This failure creates a dangling pointer scenario where a buffer object that has been partially destroyed or never fully constructed remains listed in the vdev->bo_list, which represents the device's collection of active buffer objects. The missing cleanup operation leaves the system in an inconsistent state where memory management structures reference objects that no longer exist in a valid form, creating potential for subsequent memory corruption or access violations during normal operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory leaks, potentially enabling malicious actors to exploit the inconsistent state of the graphics subsystem. An attacker could leverage this flaw to cause system instability through memory corruption, potentially leading to privilege escalation or denial of service conditions within the graphics processing framework. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where GPU resources are heavily utilized, as it could allow an unprivileged user to manipulate the GPU memory management subsystem and potentially gain elevated privileges. The issue affects systems running Linux kernels with Intel iGPU support, particularly those utilizing the ivpu driver for video processing operations, creating a significant risk for embedded systems, desktop environments, and server configurations that rely on GPU acceleration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates from vendors who have addressed this specific memory management flaw in their respective kernel versions. System administrators should prioritize patching their Linux systems to ensure the fix is applied, as the vulnerability represents a persistent risk that could be exploited by attackers with access to GPU resources. The fix implemented in the kernel resolves the issue by ensuring that buffer objects are not added to the vdev->bo_list when the drm_gem_shmem_create() operation fails, preventing the accumulation of invalid references in the device's buffer object tracking system. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual memory allocation patterns or persistent references in GPU memory management structures, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review access controls for GPU resources and implement additional logging mechanisms to track buffer object creation and destruction events, providing better visibility into potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-459, which describes incomplete cleanup, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1068, privilege escalation through system exploitation.