Critical NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - Affects Debian Packages
Summary
CVE-2025-38668: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: regulator: core: fix NULL dereference on unbind due to stale coupling data Failing to reset coupling_desc.n_coupled after freeing coupled_rdevs can lead... 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 Debian operating system, responsible for managing hardware and system resources. It provides essential services for all other parts of the operating system, enabling communication between software and hardware. This vulnerability specifically affects the regulator subsystem, which manages power supply to various components, making it crucial for system stability and performance.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified where failing to reset the coupling_desc.n_coupled after freeing coupled_rdevs can lead to a NULL pointer dereference when regulators are accessed post-unbind. This issue can occur during runtime power management or other regulator operations that depend on coupling metadata. For instance, unbinding the 'reg-dummy' platform device can trigger a panic in regulator_lock_recursive() due to stale coupling state, potentially leading to system crashes.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, ensure that the coupling_desc.n_coupled is set to 0 after freeing coupled_rdevs to prevent access to invalid pointers. This can help mitigate the risk until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerability in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk to Debian systems, particularly affecting power management operations. It is crucial to apply the necessary updates to mitigate this risk and ensure system stability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
The vulnerability is a NULL pointer dereference that can occur when accessing regulators post-unbind due to stale coupling data.
Debian 11, 12, 13, and 14 are affected, with specific fixed versions available for Debian 13 and 14.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to system crashes and instability, particularly during power management operations.
Yes, updating to the patched versions of the Linux package for your Debian distribution is the permanent fix.
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