CVE-2025-37903 – A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux ker... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2025-37903?

CVE-2025-37903 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AMD GPU display driver allows attackers to cause memory corruption when USB-C docks are unplugged and reconnected. This affects Linux systems with AMD graphics hardware using HDCP content protection. The vulnerability can lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation.

📋 TL;DR

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AMD GPU display driver allows attackers to cause memory corruption when USB-C docks are unplugged and reconnected. This affects Linux systems with AMD graphics hardware using HDCP content protection. The vulnerability can lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel with AMD GPU drivers

Versions: Linux kernel versions before the fix commits (specific versions vary by distribution)

Operating Systems: Linux distributions with AMD GPU support

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires AMD GPU hardware with HDCP support and USB-C docking station usage. Most vulnerable on laptops/desktops with AMD graphics.

📦 What is this software?

Debian Linux by Debian

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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...

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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 memory corruption leading to privilege escalation, system crash, or arbitrary code execution in kernel context.

🟠

Likely Case

System instability, kernel panic, or denial of service when using USB-C docking stations with AMD graphics.

🟢

If Mitigated

System crash requiring reboot, but no privilege escalation if kernel hardening features are enabled.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires physical or local access to trigger via USB-C dock manipulation.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal users with physical access to USB-C ports could trigger denial of service.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires physical access to USB-C ports or ability to simulate dock disconnect/reconnect events. No public exploit code known.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 3a782a83d130, bbc66abcd297, be593d9d91c5, dd329f04dda3, e25139c4aa56

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3a782a83d130ceac6c98a87639ddd89640bff486

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-C docking

linux

Avoid using USB-C docking stations with affected AMD GPU systems

Disable HDCP

linux

Turn off HDCP content protection in display settings if possible

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict physical access to USB-C ports on affected systems
Monitor system logs for KASAN slab-use-after-free errors related to amdgpu

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel version and if using AMD GPU with USB-C docking. Look for 'amdgpu' module loaded and HDCP enabled.

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version includes the fix commits. Check dmesg for absence of slab-use-after-free errors in amdgpu module.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

KASAN: slab-use-after-free in amdgpu
BUG: KASAN in event_property_validate
amdgpu driver crash during dock events

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("slab-use-after-free" OR "KASAN" OR "amdgpu")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2025-37903

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-416

EPSS Score: 0.03% exploit probability (6.7th percentile)

Published: May 20, 2025

Last Updated: November 17, 2025

🔗 References

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