Critical NAPI Instance Access Vulnerability in Linux Package
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2025-21659: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netdev: prevent accessing NAPI instances from another namespace The NAPI IDs were not fully exposed to user space prior to the netlink API, so they were... Affects linux versions < 6.12.10-1. Fixed in 6.12.10-1. 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 package is a core component of the Debian operating system, providing essential functionalities for managing hardware and system resources. It serves as the kernel that facilitates communication between software and hardware, ensuring efficient operation of the system. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of NAPI (New API) instances, which are crucial for network packet processing.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified that allows for improper access to NAPI instances across different network namespaces. This issue arises because NAPI IDs were not fully exposed to user space prior to the implementation of the netlink API, leading to potential security risks. The vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to network resources, potentially leading to data leaks or system instability. The function napi_by_id() needs to be relocated to ensure proper namespace handling.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.12.10-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux
Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch as soon as it is available to mitigate any potential risks.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerability in the Linux package poses significant risks related to network namespace access. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the patched version to ensure security and stability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to NAPI instances across different network namespaces, potentially leading to security breaches.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability.
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to network resources, data leaks, or system instability.
Yes, a patch is available in version 6.12.10-1 of the Linux package. Users should update to this version or later.
Update your Linux package to the latest version as soon as possible to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.