In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been resolved that pertains to the vsock/virtio component. This vulnerability allows for the potential for a NULL pointer dereference if sockets are reassigned after a connection interruption. Such a scenario can arise when a first connect() is interrupted by a signal, and a subsequent connect() fails.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, categorizing it as medium severity. The risk to organizations includes potential system downtime, as the availability impact is rated high. It is crucial for affected organizations to prioritize remediation efforts.
As of now, there are no known exploits, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and proactive in their patch management processes.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions ranging from 5.5 to just below 6.15. Ensure that your systems are updated to avoid potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states that the Linux kernel must discard packets if the socket has been de-assigned or assigned to another transport. Failure to do so can lead to unexpected behavior when accessing the vsk->transport.
The CVSS 3.1 vector string for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating a local attack vector, low complexity, and low privileges required. The availability impact is rated high, which is a significant concern for organizations relying on the Linux kernel for critical operations.
The vulnerability was published on January 31, 2025, and affects various versions of the Linux kernel. The CWE classification associated with this vulnerability is CWE-476.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of socket reassignments. When a socket is reassigned, any packets received must be discarded to prevent accessing a NULL pointer, which can lead to a crash.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit the vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, and the attack does not require user interaction. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is none, while the availability impact is high, as it may lead to denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk for this vulnerability is moderate, as it primarily affects local environments. However, organizations using Linux in critical applications should recognize the potential for downtime if the vulnerability is exploited. With the availability impact rated high, this poses a significant risk to business continuity.
Organizations should address this vulnerability during their priority patch cycle. The low exploitability score indicates that while there are currently no known exploits, the potential for future exploitation exists if the vulnerability remains unpatched.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions from 5.5 to just below 6.15. Specifically, the following versions are vulnerable:
• 5.5 to below 5.15.177 • 5.16 to below 6.1.127 • 6.2 to below 6.6.74 • 6.7 to below 6.12.11 • 6.13:rc1 to 6.13:rc7
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches to their Linux kernel installations to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, consider implementing the following workarounds:
• Monitor socket behavior and discard unexpected packets. • Review and harden configuration settings related to socket transport.
For further guidance on security practices, organizations may refer to our application security assessment services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for the following indicators:
• Log any unexpected socket behavior or connections. • Look for anomalies in socket reassignment patterns.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability in the Linux kernel represents a cautionary tale about the importance of robust error handling, especially in networked environments. As organizations increasingly rely on Linux for critical infrastructure, understanding and addressing such vulnerabilities is vital.
Organizations should remain vigilant about monitoring their systems for signs of vulnerabilities and consider investing in proactive measures like continuous penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses.
In summary, organizations utilizing Linux should prioritize patching the kernel and consider engaging with experts to review their security posture, especially in light of vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-21669.
For more insights and updates on security trends, organizations can explore our resources on vulnerability exposure severity trends.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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