CVE-2025-38673
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) by manipulating graphics buffer objects. This affects systems using DRM graphics drivers with specific buffer object operations. 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 when user space releases GEM handles on buffer objects without associated framebuffers.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing local users from accessing graphics subsystem operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of graphics buffer operations; not trivial but achievable by skilled attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with revert commit 2712ca878b688682ac2ce02aefc413fc76019cd9 or e31f5a1c2cd38bf977736cdfa79444e19d4005ec
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2712ca878b688682ac2ce02aefc413fc76019cd9
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 user access
allLimit access to graphics subsystem operations for untrusted local users
Implement strict user privilege separation
Use SELinux/AppArmor to restrict graphics device access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent untrusted users from accessing graphics subsystem
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic events and investigate unauthorized graphics operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if it contains the problematic commit cce16fcd7446dcff7480cd9d2b6417075ed81065Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version contains revert commit 2712ca878b688682ac2ce02aefc413fc76019cd9 or later📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- DRM subsystem crash messages
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or NULL pointer dereference in system logs