Use-after-free in Linux kernel vmw_vsock

1) Use-after-free

EUVDB-ID: #VU104945

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 7.1 [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:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2025-21756

CWE-ID: CWE-416 - Use After Free

Exploit availability: Yes

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 EXPORT_SYMBOL_GPL() and __vsock_release() functions in net/vmw_vsock/af_vsock.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/3f43540166128951cc1be7ab1ce6b7f05c670d8b
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/645ce25aa0e67895b11d89f27bb86c9d444c40f8
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b1afd40321f1c243cffbcf40ea7ca41aca87fa5e
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/fcdd2242c0231032fc84e1404315c245ae56322a

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. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.