In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: rpmsg: core: fix race in driver_override_show() and use core helper. The driver_override_show function reads the driver_override string without holding the device_lock. However, the store function modifies and frees the string while holding the device_lock. This creates a race condition where the string can be freed by the store function while being read by the show function, leading to a use-after-free. To fix this, replace the rpmsg_string_attr macro with explicit show and store functions. The new driver_override_store uses the standard driver_set_override helper. Since the introduction of driver_set_override, the comments in include/linux/rpmsg.h have stated that this helper must be used to set or clear driver_override, but the implementation was not updated until now. Because driver_set_override modifies and frees the string while holding the device_lock, the new driver_override_show now correctly holds the device_lock during the read operation to prevent the race. Additionally, since rpmsg_string_attr has only ever been used for driver_override, removing the macro simplifies the code.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.7, indicating a medium severity level. This is significant as it may allow local attackers to exploit the race condition, potentially affecting the availability of the system.
Risk to organizations includes potential service disruption due to the availability impact, which could be exploited by malicious actors with low privileges and no user interaction.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their patching cycle, as the use-after-free condition may lead to further exploitation if left unremediated.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2025-71274 is characterized by a race condition in the Linux kernel, specifically in the driver_override_show function. This function reads the driver_override string without locking the device, while the corresponding store function modifies and frees the string under the device lock. This mismatch can lead to a use-after-free scenario. The vulnerability has been officially described and fixed in the Linux kernel.
The CVSS version used for this vulnerability is 3.1, with a base severity score of 4.7. The attack vector is classified as local, requiring low privileges with high complexity, and no user interaction is necessary.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, and the vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which refers to a race condition.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of device locks while reading and writing the driver_override string. The driver_override_show function does not acquire the necessary lock when reading the string, which can lead to a condition where the string is modified and freed by another function concurrently.
The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the system with low privileges. The attack complexity is high, as it requires precise timing and knowledge of the underlying implementation.
No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, which increases its potential risk. The confidentiality impact is none, and the integrity impact is also none. However, the availability impact is high, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential service disruption due to the availability impact. This vulnerability may be exploited by local attackers to cause system instability or crashes, which could lead to downtime in critical services.
Given the medium severity score of 4.7, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their patching process. The blast radius for this vulnerability can vary based on system configurations and the nature of the services being provided.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, especially for systems that rely heavily on the Linux kernel and have a high availability requirement.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Linux kernel from 4.18 up to (but not including) 5.10.252, as well as several other version ranges, including 5.11 to 5.15.202, 5.16 to 6.1.165, 6.2 to 6.6.128, and 6.7 to 6.12.75.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers. Specific patches addressing this vulnerability can be found in the official Linux kernel repositories.
For those unable to apply patches immediately, it is recommended to implement configuration hardening and restrict access to critical systems to mitigate potential exploitation.
Monitoring systems for unusual behavior and maintaining an updated incident response plan are also essential in managing the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify any lingering vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any attempts to manipulate the driver_override string, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Behavioral anomalies related to system stability should also be tracked.
Network signatures related to unusual access patterns to device drivers should be established, and changes to the system configuration should be logged and reviewed.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-71274 highlights the importance of proper locking mechanisms in kernel development. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with concurrency issues in software.
The pattern of vulnerabilities related to race conditions continues to emerge across various platforms, which necessitates ongoing vigilance from security teams.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to security, including regular code audits and incorporating secure coding practices into their development lifecycles.
To further enhance security posture, teams should consider employing red teaming services to simulate advanced threats.
Additionally, organizations should align their threat modeling strategies with the principles of secure software development to mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities.
For more insights on vulnerabilities and their impacts, organizations may refer to the comprehensive resources available through AppSecure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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