CVE-2025-21929
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel ISHTP HID driver allows attackers to potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code when the intel_ishtp_hid module is unloaded. This affects Linux systems using Intel Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH) technology. Attackers need local access to trigger the vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with intel_ishtp_hid driver
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when the vulnerable module is unloaded, causing denial of service.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerable driver is not loaded or the system is patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to unload kernel modules. Exploitation would need to race the use-after-free condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 823987841424, 9c677fe859a7, or e040f11fbca8
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/823987841424289339fdb4ba90e6d2c3792836db
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load patched kernel. 3. Verify the vulnerable module is no longer loaded or has been updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Blacklist vulnerable module
linuxPrevent loading of the intel_ishtp_hid driver
echo 'blacklist intel_ishtp_hid' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-intel-ishtp.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
Remove module if loaded
linuxUnload the vulnerable module if currently loaded
rmmod intel_ishtp_hid
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local access to prevent unauthorized users from unloading kernel modules.
- Implement kernel module signing and loading restrictions to prevent unauthorized module operations.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if intel_ishtp_hid module is loaded: lsmod | grep intel_ishtp_hidCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version contains fix: uname -r and verify against patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Use-after-free warnings in kernel logs
- Failed module removal attempts
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("use-after-free" OR "intel_ishtp_hid" OR "kernel panic")