CVE-2025-37975
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability in the RISC-V module loader of the Linux kernel. An attacker could exploit this to cause kernel crashes or potentially execute arbitrary code. Systems running Linux kernels with RISC-V architecture support are affected.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to denial of service, or potential arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges resulting in complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel crash or system instability requiring reboot, leading to denial of service.
If Mitigated
No impact if kernel modules are properly sandboxed or if the vulnerable code path isn't triggered.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger the out-of-bounds access in the module loader. No public exploit code is mentioned in the CVE.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 0b4cce68efb93e31a8e51795d696df6e379cb41c, 95e4e1c1cf614d125f159db9726b7abb32e18385, or a068ea00009d373d825c528f9c168501519211b4
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0b4cce68efb93e31a8e51795d696df6e379cb41c
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to a patched Linux kernel version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot the system to load the new kernel. 3. Verify the fix is applied by checking kernel version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict kernel module loading
linuxPrevent unauthorized kernel module loading to reduce attack surface
echo 1 > /proc/sys/kernel/modules_disabled
sysctl -w kernel.modules_disabled=1
Disable RISC-V module support if not needed
linuxRemove RISC-V architecture support if not required
Remove RISC-V kernel modules and recompile kernel without RISC-V support
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from loading kernel modules
- Monitor system logs for kernel crashes or suspicious module loading activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if running a Linux kernel with RISC-V support and if kernel version predates the fix commits. Use: uname -r and check kernel source for vulnerable code.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes one of the fix commits: 0b4cce68efb93e31a8e51795d696df6e379cb41c, 95e4e1c1cf614d125f159db9726b7abb32e18385, or a068ea00009d373d825c528f9c168501519211b4📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- System crash logs
- Unexpected module loading attempts
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
search 'kernel panic' OR 'system crash' OR 'segmentation fault' in kernel logs