CVE-2025-38087
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's network scheduler (taprio) allows attackers to potentially crash the kernel or execute arbitrary code. This affects Linux systems using the taprio queuing discipline for traffic scheduling. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 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, or potential privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, resulting in complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel crash causing system instability or denial of service, requiring reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if proper access controls prevent local attackers from reaching vulnerable code paths.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and knowledge of triggering the race condition between taprio_dev_notifier() and advance_sched().
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commits 8a008c89e5e5c5332e4c0a33d707db9ddd529f8a, 8c5713ce1ced75f9e9ed5c642ea3d2ba06ead69c, b1547d28ba468bc3b88764efd13e4319bab63be8, or b160766e26d4e2e2d6fe2294e0b02f92baefcec5
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8a008c89e5e5c5332e4c0a33d707db9ddd529f8a
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current kernel version. 2. Update kernel to patched version from distribution vendor. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable taprio queuing discipline
linuxRemove or disable taprio scheduler if not required
# Check if taprio is loaded: lsmod | grep sch_taprio
# Remove module: sudo rmmod sch_taprio
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent exploitation
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious local activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if taprio module is loaded: uname -r && lsmod | grep sch_taprioCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes one of the fix commits: uname -r and check with distribution vendor📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or unexpected system reboots