CVE-2025-38531
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-initialization vulnerability in the Linux kernel's IIO subsystem for STMicroelectronics sensors. When device probe functions fail during initialization, they attempt to log errors using an uninitialized device structure, potentially causing kernel panics. This affects Linux systems using ST sensor drivers.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with STMicroelectronics sensor drivers (IIO subsystem)
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, requiring physical or remote reboot to restore functionality.
Likely Case
System instability or crash during sensor initialization, particularly when hardware detection or power management fails.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability during boot or hardware initialization that may be recoverable without full crash.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering device probe failures in ST sensor drivers; not a remote code execution vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits 3297a9016a45144883ec990bd4bd5b1d79cafb46, 610615c9668037e3eca11132063b93b2d945af13, 9f92e93e257b33e73622640a9205f8642ec16ddd
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3297a9016a45144883ec990bd4bd5b1d79cafb46
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. For custom kernels: Apply the relevant patches from kernel.org. 4. Reboot is recommended but not strictly required for kernel updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ST sensor drivers
allPrevent loading of vulnerable ST sensor drivers to avoid triggering the condition
echo 'blacklist st_sensors' > /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-st-sensors.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic messages related to st_sensors or IIO subsystem
- Ensure hardware stability to minimize device probe failures that could trigger the vulnerability
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if ST sensor drivers are loaded: lsmod | grep st_sensors && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits or check that patched kernel is running📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages mentioning st_sensors, IIO, or device probe failures
- OOPs messages with references to uninitialized device structures
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local kernel vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("st_sensors" OR "IIO" OR "device probe") AND ("panic" OR "OOPs" OR "uninitialized")