Use-after-free in Linux kernel core

1) Use-after-free

EUVDB-ID: #VU103013

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-21652

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error within the default_operstate() function in net/core/link_watch.c. A local user can escalate privileges on the system.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:o:linux_foundation:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/52a24538d569f48e79d1a169a5d359d384152950
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ba9f7c16ec879c83bb4f80406773a911aace8267
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cb358ff94154774d031159b018adf45e17673941

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.