CVE-2025-22051
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's GPIB driver for Agilent USB dongles allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (system crash) when the device is disconnected. This affects systems using the staging GPIB driver with Agilent USB hardware. The vulnerability requires physical or local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel staging GPIB 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local denial of service causing kernel panic and system crash, potentially leading to data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
System crash requiring reboot when malicious local user disconnects Agilent USB device and triggers the bug.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing unauthorized local access to USB ports.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires physical access to disconnect USB device and trigger driver calls. No authentication bypass needed but requires local access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 50ef6e45bec79da4c5a01fad4dc23466ba255099, 8491e73a5223acb0a4b4d78c3f8b96aa9c5e774d, e88633705078f40391a9afc6cc8ea3025e6f692b applied
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/50ef6e45bec79da4c5a01fad4dc23466ba255099
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing fixes. 2. Rebuild kernel if compiling from source. 3. Reboot system to load patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable staging GPIB driver
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist gpib' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod gpib
Restrict physical access
allPrevent unauthorized USB device disconnection
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to systems with Agilent USB dongles
- Disconnect Agilent USB hardware when not in use
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if gpib module is loaded: lsmod | grep gpib. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits. Test by disconnecting Agilent USB device while driver is active.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic/Oops messages in dmesg or /var/log/kern.log
- NULL pointer dereference errors related to gpib or usb
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("gpib" OR "NULL pointer" OR "Oops")