Critical Overflow Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Package: linux
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2025-21743: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usbnet: ipheth: fix possible overflow in DPE length check Originally, it was possible for the DPE length check to overflow if wDatagramIndex + wDatagram... Affects linux versions < 6.12.15-1. Fixed in 6.12.15-1. 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 kernel is a core component of the operating system that manages hardware resources and provides essential services for all other software. It is widely used across various distributions, including Debian. The kernel's functionality includes process management, memory management, device drivers, and system calls. This vulnerability specifically affects the usbnet driver, which is responsible for USB networking devices, potentially leading to serious security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the usbnet driver related to the ipheth functionality. The issue arises from a possible overflow in the DPE length check, where the condition wDatagramIndex + wDatagramLength could exceed U16_MAX. This overflow could lead to an out-of-bounds (OoB) read, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing system instability. The vulnerability has been tracked as DEBIAN-CVE-2025-21743 and affects versions prior to 6.12.15-1.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.12.15-1
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, no specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch by updating the package as described above.
Conclusion
The identified overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's usbnet driver poses significant risks to system security. It is imperative for users to update their linux package to the latest version to safeguard against potential exploits. Regular monitoring and timely updates are essential for maintaining system integrity.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
The vulnerability is an overflow issue in the usbnet driver of the Linux kernel that can lead to an out-of-bounds read.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which allows you to monitor vulnerabilities without requiring installation.
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system crashes.
Yes, a patch has been released in version 6.12.15-1 of the linux package.
While there is no specific workaround, it is crucial to prioritize updating your package to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.