Potential NULL Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel's PXA ATA Probe Function
Summary
CVE-2025-37758: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ata: pata_pxa: Fix potential NULL pointer dereference in pxa_ata_probe() devm_ioremap() returns NULL on error. 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 a core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware and software interaction. It is widely used in various distributions, including Debian. The kernel manages system resources, hardware communication, and process scheduling. However, vulnerabilities can arise in its complex codebase, such as the one identified in the PXA ATA probe function, which can lead to critical system failures.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, specifically within the PXA ATA probe function, a vulnerability exists due to a lack of error handling after the devm_ioremap() function call. If devm_ioremap() fails, it returns NULL, which can lead to a NULL pointer dereference when the code attempts to access this NULL pointer. This can cause system crashes or unpredictable behavior, making it a significant security risk.
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. The best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as it is available.
Conclusion
The vulnerability CVE-2025-37758 in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk due to a potential NULL pointer dereference in the PXA ATA probe function. It is essential to update to the patched version to ensure system stability and security. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2025-37758 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference due to a lack of error checking in the PXA ATA probe function.
If exploited, this vulnerability can cause system crashes or unpredictable behavior, potentially leading to data loss or system instability.
The vulnerability affects Linux packages in Debian 11, 12, and 13. It is advisable to check your version and apply the necessary updates.
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 without needing to sign up.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to monitor the situation and apply the patch as soon as possible to mitigate risks.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
