CVE-2025-37809
📋 TL;DR
A race condition in the Linux kernel's USB Type-C subsystem allows concurrent calls to typec_partner_unlink_device to cause a NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to kernel panic or system crash. This affects Linux systems with USB Type-C functionality enabled. The vulnerability requires local access or ability to trigger USB Type-C operations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
System instability or crash when multiple USB Type-C operations occur simultaneously, requiring reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing unauthorized users from triggering USB Type-C operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering concurrent USB Type-C operations, which typically requires local access or ability to interact with USB devices.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 1fdde62411fe65640e69bc55ea027d5b7b2f0093, de7c24febd21413ea8f49f61b36338b676c02852, or ec27386de23a511008c53aa2f3434ad180a3ca9a
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1fdde62411fe65640e69bc55ea027d5b7b2f0093
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USB Type-C subsystem
linuxRemove or disable USB Type-C functionality if not required
modprobe -r typec
echo 'blacklist typec' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical and logical access to USB ports and Type-C operations
- Implement monitoring for kernel panics and system crashes related to USB operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if typec module is loaded: lsmod | grep typec && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits: git log --oneline | grep -E '1fdde62411fe|de7c24febd21|ec27386de23a'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors related to typec or USB
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kern.log" AND ("NULL pointer" OR "kernel panic" OR "typec")