CVE-2025-38672
📋 TL;DR
A NULL-pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's DRM GEM DMA subsystem allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic or system crash. This affects systems using Direct Rendering Manager graphics with DMA buffer support. The vulnerability occurs when user space releases the final GEM handle on a buffer object.
💻 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 crash, requiring system reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls limiting local user privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of triggering the GEM handle release sequence.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with revert commit 1918e79be908b8a2c8757640289bc196c14d928a or e7bdb3104a2f71ec1439d37f8e6e2f201dbcd7cf
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1918e79be908b8a2c8757640289bc196c14d928a
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user privileges to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic events and investigate root causes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if it includes commit e8afa1557f4f963c9a511bd2c6074a941c308685 but not the revert commitsCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes revert commit 1918e79be908b8a2c8757640289bc196c14d928a or e7bdb3104a2f71ec1439d37f8e6e2f201dbcd7cf📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- System crash/reboot events
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic" OR "Oops")