Firmware Error Handling Vulnerability in Linux Kernel (CVE-2025-38096)
Summary
CVE-2025-38096: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: iwlwifi: don't warn when if there is a FW error iwl_trans_reclaim is warning if it is called when the FW is not alive. 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 hardware resources and providing essential services to software applications. It is widely used across various platforms, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems. The kernel's iwlwifi driver is specifically designed for Intel wireless devices, facilitating wireless connectivity. This vulnerability arises from improper error handling in the iwlwifi driver, which can lead to unnecessary warnings during firmware errors.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-38096 occurs in the iwlwifi driver of the Linux kernel. It is triggered when the function iwl_trans_reclaim is called while the firmware (FW) is not operational. In scenarios where there is a pending restart due to a firmware error, the function erroneously issues a warning instead of returning silently. This behavior can lead to confusion and unnecessary log clutter, potentially masking more critical issues. The vulnerability does not pose a direct security threat but can affect system performance and diagnostics.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. It is advisable to monitor system logs for any firmware-related warnings and plan for an update to the patched version of the kernel as soon as it becomes available.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-38096 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iwlwifi driver that leads to unnecessary warnings during firmware errors. While it does not directly compromise security, it can affect system performance. Users are encouraged to update to the patched version of the kernel to mitigate this issue.
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FAQ
CVE-2025-38096 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's iwlwifi driver that improperly handles firmware error warnings.
While it does not pose a direct security threat, it can lead to unnecessary log warnings, potentially obscuring more critical issues.
Yes, a patch is available for Debian 13 in version 6.12.32-1. Users of Debian 11 and 12 should check for updates.
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While there are no specific workarounds, it is advisable to monitor system logs for firmware warnings and plan for an update as soon as possible.
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