In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: workqueue: fix data race with the pwq->stats[] increment. KCSAN has discovered a data race in kernel/workqueue.c:2598, which can lead to inconsistencies during the execution of kernel threads.
This vulnerability allows attackers to cause unpredictable behavior in kernel operations, which can negatively affect system stability and security. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.7, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations should address this issue to prevent potential exploitation that could compromise system integrity.
Risk to organizations includes potential downtime or system instability due to the data race condition, which can be exploited if left unaddressed. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but its presence in the kernel may lead to future risks if not remediated. To ensure security, organizations must be proactive in applying the necessary patches.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is characterized by a data race condition, which occurs when two or more threads access shared data concurrently, and at least one of the accesses is a write operation. In this case, the race condition affects the pwq->stats[] increment, specifically at kernel/workqueue.c:2598. The issue has been resolved by adjusting the order of operations to prevent concurrent writes.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.7, with the following breakdown: Attack Vector (Local), Attack Complexity (High), Privileges Required (Low), User Interaction (None), Scope (Unchanged), Confidentiality Impact (None), Integrity Impact (None), and Availability Impact (High). This indicates that while the attack requires local access, it can severely impact system availability.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, specifically versions 6.5 to 6.5.2. The vulnerability was published on September 16, 2025. The related CWE classification is CWE-362.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization between threads accessing shared resources. The attack vector is local, which means that an attacker would need access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is high, as it requires an understanding of the kernel's operation and the ability to manipulate concurrent processes.
The privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, meaning a user with standard access could potentially trigger the race condition. No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.
This vulnerability impacts availability, as it can lead to system crashes or other critical failures. Confidentiality and integrity are not directly affected by this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk for this vulnerability is significant, especially in environments where the Linux kernel is actively used in critical applications. The potential for downtime or instability presents a serious concern for organizations that rely on these systems.
Why this matters to organizations is clear: the stability of the system can directly affect business operations. The blast radius is considerable, as it may impact all services relying on the kernel without appropriate mitigation.
Given the CVSS score and the lack of known exploits, organizations should address this vulnerability in priority patch cycle. The risk of not doing so could lead to future exploits as more information becomes available.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions of the Linux kernel include all versions starting from 6.5 up to, but not including, 6.5.3. Organizations using these versions should ensure they are patched accordingly.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The patches can be found in the following references: Linux kernel patches that address this vulnerability.
In addition to applying the patch, organizations should consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to mitigate the risk. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity is also recommended.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts or unusual kernel behavior. Behavioral anomalies in system processes may also indicate exploitation attempts. It is crucial to keep an eye on network signatures that could signify an attack leveraging this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential impact on system stability. Data races in kernel processes can lead to unpredictable behavior and exploitation opportunities. Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in their threat detection and response strategies.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous testing and review processes in kernel development. Continuous integration and testing can help identify such issues before they reach production environments.
Organizations should evaluate their current security measures and consider adopting enhanced penetration testing approaches to identify and remediate vulnerabilities effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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