CVE-2025-38669
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's DRM graphics subsystem allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) by manipulating GEM buffer objects. This affects systems using the affected kernel versions with DRM graphics drivers. The vulnerability requires local access to exploit.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
Local denial of service through kernel panic, requiring system reboot to recover.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing local user exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of GEM buffer manipulation. No public exploit available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with revert commit 291a77604858a8b47cf6640a12b76e97f99e00ed or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/291a77604858a8b47cf6640a12b76e97f99e00ed
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the revert commit. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit local user access to systems to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local users from accessing systems
- Monitor for kernel panic events and investigate any suspicious local user activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if it includes commit 1a148af06000e545e714fe3210af3d77ff903c11 but not the revert commitCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes revert commit 291a77604858a8b47cf6640a12b76e97f99e00ed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or NULL pointer dereference errors in system logs