Critical Vulnerability in Linux Package: Uninitialized Variable in CIFS
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2025-38737: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cifs: Fix oops due to uninitialised variable Fix smb3_init_transform_rq() to initialise buffer to NULL before calling netfs_alloc_folioq_buffer() as net... Affects linux versions < 6.12.48-1. Fixed in 6.12.48-1. 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, responsible for managing hardware, system resources, and providing essential services to applications. It is known for its stability, performance, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for servers and desktops alike. However, vulnerabilities can arise, such as the one identified in the CIFS (Common Internet File System) implementation, which can lead to system instability and security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the CIFS module where an uninitialized variable could lead to an 'oops' (a kernel error). Specifically, the function smb3_init_transform_rq() fails to initialize a buffer to NULL before passing it to netfs_alloc_folioq_buffer(). This oversight means that the buffer may contain undefined values, potentially causing unpredictable behavior or crashes. The vulnerability is critical as it can affect system stability and security, allowing for potential exploitation.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.12.48-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, no specific workarounds have been mentioned for this vulnerability. It is highly recommended to apply the patch as soon as it is available to mitigate any risks.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's CIFS implementation poses significant risks to system stability and security. It is essential for users to update their systems to the patched versions to safeguard against potential exploitation. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
The vulnerability is related to an uninitialized variable in the CIFS implementation of the Linux kernel, which can lead to system crashes.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring installation.
The risks include system instability, crashes, and potential security exploits that could compromise the integrity of the system.
Yes, patches are available for Debian 13 (version 6.12.48-1) and Debian 14 (version 6.16.5-1).
While no specific workarounds are available, it is crucial to prioritize applying the patch as soon as possible to mitigate risks.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
