Critical Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: Frame Length Check Flaw
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38413: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: virtio-net: xsk: rx: fix the frame's length check When calling buf_to_xdp, the len argument is the frame data's length without virtio header's length (v... Affects linux versions < 6.12.37-1. Fixed in 6.12.37-1. 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 the core component of many operating systems, responsible for managing hardware and system resources. It provides essential services for all other parts of the operating system. This vulnerability affects the virtio-net component, which is used for network virtualization, allowing efficient communication between virtual machines and the host system. The flaw arises from an incorrect frame length check, potentially leading to security issues in network data handling.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the virtio-net component related to the frame length check during the processing of network packets. The issue occurs when the length of the frame data is checked without accounting for the virtio header's length. This oversight can lead to buffer overflows or memory corruption, allowing attackers to exploit the flaw for unauthorized access or denial of service. The vulnerability is rooted in the function buf_to_xdp, which fails to differentiate between the first buffer and subsequent ones, leading to incorrect maximum frame length calculations.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.12.37-1
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 workarounds have been provided 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 kernel's virtio-net component poses significant security risks due to an incorrect frame length check. Users are advised to update to the latest patched version to protect their systems. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and manage vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
The vulnerability is a flaw in the frame length check within the virtio-net component of the Linux kernel, which can lead to security risks such as buffer overflows.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By simply uploading your manifest file, like package-lock.json, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to install any software.
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, data corruption, or denial of service, affecting the stability and security of the system.
Yes, a patch has been released in version 6.12.37-1 of the Linux package. Users are encouraged to update to this version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Detailed information can be found in the official Debian CVE database or by visiting the Vulert website, which provides insights into open-source vulnerabilities.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.