Critical Scheduling Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Affecting Debian Packages
Summary
CVE-2025-37880: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: um: work around sched_yield not yielding in time-travel mode sched_yield by a userspace may not actually cause scheduling in time-travel mode as no time... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. It is widely used across various distributions, including Debian. This vulnerability specifically affects Debian versions 11, 12, and 13, highlighting the kernel's susceptibility to scheduling issues under certain configurations.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified where the 'sched_yield' syscall may not yield control in time-travel mode, leading to potential extreme slowdowns or deadlocks. This issue arises from a poorly implemented userspace spinlock in AddressSanitizer (ASAN). The problem is exacerbated by the kernel configuration setting 'CONFIG_UML_MAX_USERSPACE_ITERATIONS', which can significantly impact system performance and stability.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can account for time in the process whenever executing a 'sched_yield' syscall. This adjustment may help mitigate the impact of the vulnerability until a proper fix is applied.
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-37880 vulnerability in the Linux kernel poses significant risks to system performance and stability in Debian environments. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the latest patched versions and consider the provided workaround until a fix is applied.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to extreme slowdowns or even deadlocks in systems running the affected versions of the Linux kernel under time-travel mode.
Debian versions 11, 12, and 13 are all affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Yes, updating the Linux package to the latest patched version is the recommended permanent fix.
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