Critical Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: Device Workqueue Management Issue
Summary
CVE-2025-21838: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: gadget: core: flush gadget workqueue after device removal device_del() can lead to new work being scheduled in gadget->work workqueue. Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware and software interaction. It is known for its stability, performance, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for various applications, from servers to embedded systems. However, vulnerabilities can arise, such as the one identified in this report, which affects the USB gadget subsystem, potentially leading to instability in device management.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified where the device_del() function can lead to new work being scheduled in the gadget's workqueue after device removal. This issue is particularly evident in the dwc3 driver, where the call stack shows that the workqueue is not properly flushed before the device is removed. This can result in unexpected behavior and resource leaks, potentially leading to system instability or crashes.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch as soon as it is available to mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
The vulnerability CVE-2025-21838 in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk to system stability when managing USB devices. Users are encouraged to update their systems promptly to the latest patched version to ensure protection against potential exploitation.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2025-21838 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that affects the USB gadget subsystem, leading to potential instability when devices are removed.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to system instability, crashes, or resource leaks, affecting the overall performance of the system.
Yes, users are advised to update their Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the fix for CVE-2025-21838.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to prioritize updating your kernel to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
