CVE-2025-38484
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the Linux kernel's IIO (Industrial I/O) subsystem backend. An attacker could write beyond the allocated buffer boundary, potentially leading to kernel memory corruption. This affects Linux systems using the IIO subsystem.
💻 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 →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, system crash, or potential privilege escalation to root if the memory corruption can be controlled to execute arbitrary code.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service due to memory corruption.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if the IIO subsystem is not in use or if proper kernel hardening measures are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires access to IIO device interfaces and precise control of write operations. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 01e941aa7f5175125df4ac5d3aab099961525602, 6eea9f7648ddb9e4903735a1f77cf196c957aa38, da9374819eb3885636934c1006d450c3cb1a02ed
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/01e941aa7f5175125df4ac5d3aab099961525602
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable IIO subsystem
linuxRemove or disable the Industrial I/O subsystem if not needed
modprobe -r iio
echo 'blacklist iio' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to IIO device files (typically in /sys/bus/iio/devices/) to trusted users only
- Implement kernel hardening features like KASLR and stack protection to reduce exploit impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if IIO subsystem is loaded: 'lsmod | grep iio' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check that IIO module is from patched kernel: 'modinfo iio'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- System crash/panic logs
- Unexpected IIO device access
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("Oops" OR "panic" OR "segfault") AND process="iio"