Linux Kernel ksmbd generate_key context.iov_base Null Pointer Dereference Denial-of-Service Vulnerability

September 24th, 2025
ZDI-25-917 ZDI-CAN-27654

CVE ID

CVE-2025-38562

CVSS Score

5.3 AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Affected Vendors

Linux

Affected Products

Kernel

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to create a denial-of-service condition on affected installations of the Linux Kernel. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the handling of a context value when updating a hash function. The issue results from dereferencing a null pointer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to create a denial-of-service condition on the system.

Additional Details

Linux has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/ChangeLog-6.16.1

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2025-07-18 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2025-09-24 - Coordinated public release of advisory
  • 2025-09-24 - Advisory Updated

Credit

Nicholas Zubrisky (@NZubrisky) of Trend Research

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