CVE-2025-38175
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's binder subsystem where a device can be freed from memory while still referenced in the binder_devices list. Attackers could potentially exploit this to crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. All Linux systems using affected kernel versions with binder enabled are vulnerable.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential privilege escalation allowing arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
Likely Case
System instability, crashes, or denial of service when binder devices are being cleaned up during process termination.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if binder subsystem is not in use or proper access controls restrict binder usage.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and knowledge of kernel memory layout. The KASAN report suggests the bug is triggered during cleanup operations.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 4a7694f499cae5b83412c5281bf2c961f34f2ed6, 72a726fb5f25fbb31d6060acfb671c1955831245, or 9857af0fcff385c75433f2162c30c62eb912ef6d
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4a7694f499cae5b83412c5281bf2c961f34f2ed6
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 binder subsystem
linuxRemove binder kernel module if not required for system functionality
rmmod binder
echo 'blacklist binder' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to binder devices using SELinux/AppArmor policies
- Monitor system logs for binder-related crashes or KASAN reports
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if binder module is loaded: 'lsmod | grep binder' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check dmesg for binder-related errors after patch📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- KASAN reports of use-after-free in binder_remove_device
- Kernel oops or panic messages related to binder
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
search 'binder' AND ('use-after-free' OR 'KASAN' OR 'panic') in kernel logs