CVE-2025-38290
📋 TL;DR
A race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k WiFi driver can cause kernel panic during WLAN recovery when virtual interface removal occurs simultaneously. This affects systems using Qualcomm Atheros ath12k wireless chipsets. The vulnerability requires specific timing conditions to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with ath12k driver
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially requiring physical access to reboot affected systems.
Likely Case
System instability or crashes during WiFi operations, particularly when network interfaces are being reconfigured or during recovery events.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability that may require manual intervention to restore WiFi functionality.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires precise timing during WLAN recovery and vif removal operations, making reliable exploitation difficult.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commit 6285516170f9e2f04b9dbf1e5100e0d7cbac22b4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6285516170f9e2f04b9dbf1e5100e0d7cbac22b4
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. Reboot system to load patched kernel. 3. Verify ath12k driver is functioning correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ath12k driver
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable ath12k driver module
echo 'blacklist ath12k' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-ath12k.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
Disable WiFi recovery features
linuxReduce likelihood of triggering the race condition
echo 'options ath12k recovery_disable=1' >> /etc/modprobe.d/ath12k.conf
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic events related to ath12k
- Implement network segmentation to limit WiFi client access to critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if ath12k module is loaded: lsmod | grep ath12kCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commit: uname -r and check kernel changelog for commit 6285516170f9e2f04b9dbf1e5100e0d7cbac22b4📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages mentioning ath12k, list_del, or __list_del_entry_valid_or_report
- System crash dumps during WiFi operations
Network Indicators:
- Sudden WiFi disconnections followed by system instability
- Failed network interface operations
SIEM Query:
event_source:kernel AND (message:*ath12k* OR message:*list_del* OR message:*panic*)