Kernel Hard Lockup Vulnerability in Linux Packages Due to Off-by-One Error
Summary
CVE-2025-37893: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: LoongArch: BPF: Fix off-by-one error in build_prologue() Vincent reported that running BPF progs with tailcalls on LoongArch causes kernel hard lockup. Affects linux versions 6.1.106-1 – 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, managing hardware resources and providing essential services for software applications. It is widely used in various environments, from servers to embedded systems. This vulnerability affects the Linux packages in Debian 12 and 13, specifically related to the BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) functionality on the LoongArch architecture, which is designed for efficient packet filtering and network monitoring.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-37893, arises from an off-by-one error in the build_prologue() function during the Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation of BPF programs. When BPF programs utilize tail calls on the LoongArch architecture, the JIT-compiled code may miss a crucial instruction, leading to a kernel hard lockup. This issue occurs due to the generation of an incorrect number of instructions during the compilation process, causing the epilogue offset to be miscalculated. As a result, the kernel may jump to an unexpected instruction, leading to system instability and potential crashes.
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. However, users are advised to avoid running BPF programs with tail calls on the LoongArch architecture until the patch is applied.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-37893 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel affecting Debian 12 and 13 packages, leading to kernel hard lockups. Users are advised to update their systems promptly to mitigate risks associated with this issue. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and identifying vulnerabilities in open-source software.
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FAQ
CVE-2025-37893 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that causes kernel hard lockups when running BPF programs with tail calls on the LoongArch architecture due to an off-by-one error.
This vulnerability can lead to kernel hard lockups, causing system instability and potential crashes when executing specific BPF programs.
If you are using Linux packages on Debian 12 or 13 and running BPF programs on the LoongArch architecture, your system may be vulnerable. You can check for vulnerabilities using Vulert without any signup.
The best way to protect your system is to update your Linux packages to the latest patched version that resolves this vulnerability.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software using just a manifest file. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
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