CVE-2025-38656
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iwlwifi driver could allow local attackers to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code. This affects Linux systems using Intel wireless hardware with the DVM firmware. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with iwlwifi 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 →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
Local privilege escalation leading to kernel compromise and full system control
Likely Case
Kernel panic or system crash causing denial of service
If Mitigated
System remains stable with proper patching; unpatched systems risk crashes
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and specific conditions to trigger the use-after-free
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with fixes from git commits: 1d068272c21d886d06526454b68368100ba0a720, 991e2066f6009d3cb898413058c62dbcc92bd6d2, cf80c02a9fdb6c5bc8508beb6a0f6a1294fc32f6
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1d068272c21d886d06526454b68368100ba0a720
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version 2. Reboot system 3. Verify kernel version after reboot
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable iwlwifi driver
linuxTemporarily disable the vulnerable wireless driver
sudo modprobe -r iwlwifi
Use alternative wireless driver
linuxSwitch to different wireless driver if available
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent exploitation
- Monitor system logs for kernel panics or crashes related to iwlwifi
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if iwlwifi module is loaded: lsmod | grep iwlwifiCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and system remains stable during wireless operations📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- iwlwifi driver crash logs
- Use-after-free error messages in dmesg
Network Indicators:
- Sudden wireless disconnections on affected systems
SIEM Query:
Search for 'kernel panic' OR 'iwlwifi' OR 'use-after-free' in system logs