CVE-2025-38533
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's libwx network driver where an uninitialized DMA address field could be used. This could lead to DMA errors, use-after-free conditions, or system instability. All systems running affected Linux kernel versions with the libwx driver loaded are potentially 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 →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 leading to full system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System instability, network connectivity issues, or denial of service through kernel crashes.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if the driver isn't loaded or the vulnerable code path isn't triggered.
🎯 Exploit Status
No known exploits in the wild. Exploitation requires triggering specific driver code paths and would likely require local access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing the git commits referenced in the CVE
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/027701180a7bcb64c42eab291133ef0c87b5b6c5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify libwx driver is using patched code.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable libwx driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable libwx network driver module
echo 'blacklist libwx' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod libwx
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Ensure libwx driver is not loaded (check with 'lsmod | grep libwx')
- Restrict local access to systems to reduce attack surface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if libwx module is loaded: 'lsmod | grep libwx'. If loaded, check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and libwx module shows expected behavior without DMA errors in system logs.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- DMA error messages in dmesg
- Network interface errors related to libwx
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network interface resets
- Increased packet loss on interfaces using libwx
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("libwx" OR "DMA error" OR "kernel panic")