Race Condition Vulnerability in Linux Kernel's AF_XDP RX Path
Summary
CVE-2025-37920: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xsk: Fix race condition in AF_XDP generic RX path Move rx_lock from xsk_socket to xsk_buff_pool. 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 many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware management and system resources. It supports a wide range of functionalities, including networking, file systems, and process management. The AF_XDP (eXpress Data Path) is a framework within the Linux kernel designed for high-performance packet processing. This vulnerability affects the RX (Receive) path of AF_XDP, where multiple sockets can share a single xsk_buff_pool, leading to potential race conditions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-37920, arises from a race condition in the AF_XDP generic RX path. It occurs when multiple sockets share a single xsk_buff_pool, allowing two CPU cores to access the RX path of different sockets simultaneously. This can lead to data races and unpredictable behavior. The issue is mitigated by moving the rx_lock from the xsk_socket to the xsk_buff_pool, ensuring proper synchronization when accessing shared resources.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit the number of sockets sharing the same xsk_buff_pool to avoid race conditions. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the kernel is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-37920 is a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to race conditions in the AF_XDP RX path. Users are encouraged to update their systems to the patched version of the kernel to ensure safety and stability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
CVE-2025-37920 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AF_XDP RX path that can lead to race conditions when multiple sockets share a single xsk_buff_pool.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability.
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to data corruption, crashes, or unpredictable behavior in applications relying on the affected networking features.
Yes, a patch has been released for the Linux kernel to address CVE-2025-37920. Users should update their kernel to the latest version.
The urgency for this vulnerability has not yet been assigned, but it is advisable to apply the patch as soon as possible to mitigate potential risks.
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