In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been resolved regarding a null pointer dereference in the dmi_sysfs_register_handle function. This error, reported by KASAN, can lead to a kernel panic due to an uninitialized list head, ultimately causing a denial of service. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level, which highlights the importance of addressing this issue promptly.
Risk to organizations includes potential disruption to services and systems, as the kernel panic can lead to system instability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to exploit systems with low privileges, resulting in a local denial of service. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential disruptions.
The vulnerability has been present in multiple versions of the Linux kernel, and it is crucial for administrators to evaluate their systems for affected versions to ensure they are running the latest patches.
Given the medium severity and the potential for service disruption, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows a local attacker to cause a kernel panic due to a null pointer dereference in the dmi_sysfs_register_handle function. The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.5 indicates medium severity, with high availability impact and no confidentiality or integrity impact. The affected product is the Linux kernel, and the vulnerability was publicly disclosed on September 15, 2025.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling in the codebase. The addition of the kobject_put() function to release memory inadvertently introduced a null pointer dereference when the list head was uninitialized. The attack vector is local, and the complexity is low, meaning that a local user with low privileges can exploit this flaw with no required user interaction.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk involves potential downtime or service interruptions for Linux systems, which can have cascading effects on operational stability. Organizations that rely on the Linux kernel for critical applications should take immediate action to patch this vulnerability. The blast radius could extend to any system utilizing the affected versions of the kernel, emphasizing the need for widespread remediation.
Given the CVSS score and analysis, organizations should address this vulnerability in priority patch cycle, particularly those with high availability requirements.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Linux kernel include all versions prior to vendor patch that fall within the following ranges: 4.9.318 to < 4.10, 4.14.283 to < 4.15, 4.19.247 to < 4.20, 5.4.198 to < 5.5, 5.10.122 to < 5.11, 5.15.47 to < 5.15.99, 5.17.15 to < 5.18, 5.18.4 to < 6.1.16, and 6.2 to < 6.2.3.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the relevant patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to remediate this vulnerability effectively. In the absence of an immediate patch, implementing configuration hardening and monitoring the systems for anomalies can help mitigate risks. For more detailed guidance on security assessment, organizations may consider engaging in application security assessment services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual kernel panic events, assess behavioral anomalies in system processes, and keep an eye on network signatures that may indicate attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the critical role of the Linux kernel in various systems. Its resolution reflects a pattern of ongoing improvements and highlights the need for vigilant monitoring by security teams. Organizations are encouraged to adopt a penetration testing methodology to ensure similar vulnerabilities are swiftly identified and mitigated.
Additionally, organizations should analyze historical vulnerability trends to understand recurring issues and implement lessons learned from this incident. The strategic takeaway is to prioritize ongoing security assessments and updates to maintain system integrity.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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