CVE-2025-38674
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's DRM (Direct Rendering Manager) subsystem allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) by manipulating GEM buffer objects. This affects systems with DRM graphics drivers and could potentially lead to system crashes. 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 complete 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 DRM framebuffers.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls preventing local user exploitation; system remains stable for privileged users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of DRM/GEM subsystem; exploitation involves manipulating buffer object handles.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with revert commit 5f05d83ce689a8930a70dfa73f879604aef8cc03 or fb4ef4a52b79a22ad382bfe77332642d02aef773
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5f05d83ce689a8930a70dfa73f879604aef8cc03
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the revert commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to install latest kernel update. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user accounts and permissions to reduce attack surface
Review and remove unnecessary local user accounts
Implement strict access controls for graphics subsystem
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent local users from accessing graphics subsystems
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic events and investigate unauthorized local user activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if it contains the problematic commit f83a9b8c7fd0557b0c50784bfdc1bbe9140c9bf8Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes revert commit 5f05d83ce689a8930a70dfa73f879604aef8cc03📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic" OR "Oops")