Linux Kernel prior 6.12.41/6.15.9 xfrm state_ptrs initialization

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as problematic has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.40/6.15.8/dd4c2a174994238d55ab54da2545543d36f4e0d0. This issue affects the function state_ptrs of the component xfrm. The manipulation results in initialization. This vulnerability is reported as CVE-2025-38675. No exploit exists. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.12.40/6.15.8/dd4c2a174994238d55ab54da2545543d36f4e0d0. It has been classified as problematic. Affected is the function state_ptrs of the component xfrm. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a initialization vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-665. The product does not initialize or incorrectly initializes a resource, which might leave the resource in an unexpected state when it is accessed or used. The impact remains unknown. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: state: initialize state_ptrs earlier in xfrm_state_find In case of preemption, xfrm_state_look_at will find a different pcpu_id and look up states for that other CPU. If we matched a state for CPU2 in the state_cache while the lookup started on CPU1, we will jump to "found", but the "best" state that we got will be ignored and we will enter the "acquire" block. This block uses state_ptrs, which isn't initialized at this point. Let's initialize state_ptrs just after taking rcu_read_lock. This will also prevent a possible misuse in the future, if someone adjusts this function.

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability is traded as CVE-2025-38675 since 04/16/2025. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 260272 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2025-38675), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 6.12.41 or 6.15.9 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch 6bf2daafc51bcb9272c0fdff2afd38217337d0d3/463562f9591742be62ddde3b426a0533ed496955/94d077c331730510d5611b438640a292097341f0 is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Tenable (260272), EUVD (EUVD-2025-27937) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-1898). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Affected

• Debian Linux
• Google Cloud Platform
• Amazon Linux 2
• Ubuntu Linux
• SUSE Linux
• Oracle Linux
• NetApp AFF
• NetApp ActiveIQ Unified Manager
• SUSE openSUSE
• Dell Avamar
• NetApp FAS
• Open Source Linux Kernel
• Dell NetWorker
• Dell Secure Connect Gateway

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 6.12.0
• 6.12.1
• 6.12.2
• 6.12.3
• 6.12.4
• 6.12.5
• 6.12.6
• 6.12.7
• 6.12.8
• 6.12.9
• 6.12.10
• 6.12.11
• 6.12.12
• 6.12.13
• 6.12.14
• 6.12.15
• 6.12.16
• 6.12.17
• 6.12.18
• 6.12.19
• 6.12.20
• 6.12.21
• 6.12.22
• 6.12.23
• 6.12.24
• 6.12.25
• 6.12.26
• 6.12.27
• 6.12.28
• 6.12.29
• 6.12.30
• 6.12.31
• 6.12.32
• 6.12.33
• 6.12.34
• 6.12.35
• 6.12.36
• 6.12.37
• 6.12.38
• 6.12.39
• 6.12.40
• 6.15.0
• 6.15.1
• 6.15.2
• 6.15.3
• 6.15.4
• 6.15.5
• 6.15.6
• 6.15.7
• 6.15.8
• dd4c2a174994238d55ab54da2545543d36f4e0d0

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

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