#VU104967 Use-after-free in Linux kernel - CVE-2025-21729

Vulnerability identifier: #VU104967

Vulnerability 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-2025-21729

CWE-ID: CWE-416

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Linux Foundation

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 rtw89_ops_cancel_hw_scan() function in drivers/net/wireless/realtek/rtw89/mac80211.c. A local user can escalate privileges on the system.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: 6.12, 6.12.1, 6.12.2, 6.12.3, 6.12.4, 6.12.5, 6.12.6, 6.12.7, 6.12.8, 6.12.9, 6.12.10, 6.12.11, 6.12.12, 6.13, 6.13.1

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External links
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2403cb3c235d5e339b580cc3a825493769fadca8
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5afcd6fcd1e1c1fd6bcc9a360c121d10eddade67
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ba4bb0402c60e945c4c396c51f0acac3c3e3ea5c
https://mirrors.edge.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/ChangeLog-6.12.13
https://mirrors.edge.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/ChangeLog-6.13.2
https://mirrors.edge.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/ChangeLog-6.14

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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.