CVE-2025-22106
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's vmxnet3 driver causes a kernel warning when the driver resets without properly unregistering XDP RX queue information. This could potentially lead to kernel memory corruption or system instability. It affects systems using VMware's vmxnet3 network driver in virtualized environments.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with vmxnet3 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic or system crash leading to denial of service, potentially allowing privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel warnings in logs, and potential denial of service during driver reset operations.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact or warning messages in system logs without service disruption.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering the vmxnet3 driver reset path, which typically requires privileged access or specific system conditions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 0dd765fae295832934bf28e45dd5a355e0891ed4, 23da4e0bb2a38966d29db0ff90a8fe68fdfa1744, 9908541a9e235b7c5e2fbdd59910eaf9c32c3075, or a6157484bee3385a425d288a69e1eaf03232f5fc
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0dd765fae295832934bf28e45dd5a355e0891ed4
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify vmxnet3 driver is using patched code.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable XDP on vmxnet3 interfaces
linuxPrevent XDP registration on vmxnet3 network interfaces to avoid the unregistration issue
ethtool -K <interface> xdp off
Use alternative virtual network driver
linuxSwitch from vmxnet3 to e1000 or virtio network drivers in VMware virtual machines
Edit VM configuration to change network adapter type
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for kernel warnings related to XDP or vmxnet3
- Avoid triggering network interface resets or reconfigurations on affected systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if vmxnet3 driver is loaded: lsmod | grep vmxnet3Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version contains fix commits and verify no XDP-related warnings appear in dmesg after network operations📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel warnings about 'Missing unregister' or '__xdp_rxq_info_reg' in dmesg or /var/log/kern.log
Network Indicators:
- Network interface resets or instability on vmxnet3 interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("Missing unregister" OR "__xdp_rxq_info_reg" OR "vmxnet3")