Refactor and Cleanup Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2025-38014
Summary
CVE-2025-38014: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: dmaengine: idxd: Refactor remove call with idxd_cleanup() helper The idxd_cleanup() helper cleans up perfmon, interrupts, internals and so on. 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 environments, from servers to embedded systems. However, like any complex software, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can impact system security and performance.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2025-38014 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's DMA engine, specifically related to the idxd subsystem. The issue arises from a lack of proper cleanup during the removal process, which can lead to resource leaks and potential system instability. The idxd_cleanup() helper was introduced to address this by ensuring that all necessary resources, such as perfmon and interrupts, are properly released. Failure to implement this cleanup can result in degraded system performance and increased risk of 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, no specific workarounds are provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch as soon as it becomes available to mitigate any risks associated with the vulnerability.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-38014 highlights a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel that requires immediate attention. Users are encouraged to update their systems to the patched version to ensure stability and security. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in open-source software.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2025-38014 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to improper cleanup in the DMA engine's idxd subsystem.
This vulnerability can lead to resource leaks and system instability, potentially causing crashes or degraded performance.
Yes, a patch is available for Debian 13 in version 6.12.30-1. Users should update their kernel to this version.
While no specific workarounds are available, it is crucial to plan for an update to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time using a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can check your application for vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
