Out-of-Bounds Access Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2025-38395
Summary
CVE-2025-38395: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: regulator: gpio: Fix the out-of-bounds access to drvdata::gpiods drvdata::gpiods is supposed to hold an array of 'gpio_desc' pointers. 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 Linux operating systems, responsible for managing hardware and system resources. It provides essential services for all other parts of the operating system and is known for its stability and performance. This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions in Debian 11, 12, and 13, specifically related to the handling of GPIO descriptors, which are critical for managing General Purpose Input/Output pins on hardware devices.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the regulator GPIO subsystem where the array for 'gpio_desc' pointers is improperly allocated. The 'drvdata::gpiods' is intended to hold multiple pointers, but memory is allocated for only one. This oversight can lead to out-of-bounds access if the number of GPIOs configured ('config::ngpios') exceeds one, potentially causing system instability or crashes. The vulnerability is classified under CVE-2025-38395 and poses a risk to systems utilizing the affected kernel versions.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch by updating to the latest version of the Linux kernel.
Conclusion
The CVE-2025-38395 vulnerability in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk due to improper memory allocation for GPIO descriptors. Users are advised to update their systems to the patched version to ensure stability and security. Regular monitoring and updates are essential for maintaining a secure environment.
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FAQ
CVE-2025-38395 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that allows for out-of-bounds access due to improper memory allocation for GPIO descriptors.
This vulnerability can lead to system crashes or instability if the number of GPIOs exceeds the allocated memory, potentially affecting hardware functionality.
The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions in Debian 11, 12, and 13.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without any signup.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to plan for an update as soon as possible to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
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