Linux Kernel up to 6.17.2 net dst_dev_rcu privilege escalation

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.3$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Linux Kernel up to 6.17.2. Affected by this issue is the function dst_dev_rcu of the component net. The manipulation leads to an unknown weakness. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2025-40170. No exploit is available. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 6.17.2. It has been rated as critical. This issue affects the function dst_dev_rcu of the component net. The impact remains unknown. The summary by CVE is:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: use dst_dev_rcu() in sk_setup_caps() Use RCU to protect accesses to dst->dev from sk_setup_caps() and sk_dst_gso_max_size(). Also use dst_dev_rcu() in ip6_dst_mtu_maybe_forward(), and ip_dst_mtu_maybe_forward(). ip4_dst_hoplimit() can use dst_dev_net_rcu().

It is possible to read the advisory at git.kernel.org. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2025-40170 since 04/16/2025. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 02/08/2026).

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 296481 (SUSE SLES15 Security Update : kernel (SUSE-SU-2026:0278-1)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 6.17.3 or 6.18-rc1 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch a805729c0091073d8f0415cfa96c7acd1bc17a48/99a2ace61b211b0be861b07fbaa062fca4b58879 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 (296481) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-2579). Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Affected

  • Google Container-Optimized OS
  • Debian Linux
  • Amazon Linux 2
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • Ubuntu Linux
  • SUSE Linux
  • Oracle Linux
  • SUSE openSUSE
  • Open Source Linux Kernel
  • RESF Rocky Linux

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.5
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.3

VulDB Base Score: 5.5
VulDB Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Privilege escalation
CWE: Unknown
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔒
EPSS Percentile: 🔒

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Nessus ID: 296481
Nessus Name: SUSE SLES15 Security Update : kernel (SUSE-SU-2026:0278-1)

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Kernel 6.17.3/6.18-rc1
Patch: a805729c0091073d8f0415cfa96c7acd1bc17a48/99a2ace61b211b0be861b07fbaa062fca4b58879

Timelineinfo

04/16/2025 CVE reserved
11/12/2025 +210 days Advisory disclosed
11/12/2025 +0 days VulDB entry created
02/08/2026 +88 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: git.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2025-40170 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2025-40170
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-332135
CERT Bund: WID-SEC-2025-2579 - Linux Kernel: Mehrere Schwachstellen

Entryinfo

Created: 11/12/2025 13:30
Updated: 02/08/2026 13:47
Changes: 11/12/2025 13:30 (58), 12/21/2025 04:02 (7), 12/30/2025 23:05 (1), 01/24/2026 19:21 (2), 02/08/2026 13:47 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

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