CVE-2025-38018
MediumIn the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net/tls: fix kernel panic when alloc_page failed We cannot set frag_list to NULL pointer when alloc_page failed. It will be used in tls_strp_check_queue_ok when the next time tls_strp_read_sock is called. This is because we don't reset full_len in tls_strp_flush_anchor_copy() so the recv path will try to continue handling the partial record on the next call but we dettached the rcvq from the frag list. Alternative fix would be to reset full_len. Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference at virtual address 0000000000000028 Call trace: tls_strp_check_rcv+0x128/0x27c tls_strp_data_ready+0x34/0x44 tls_data_ready+0x3c/0x1f0 tcp_data_ready+0x9c/0xe4 tcp_data_queue+0xf6c/0x12d0 tcp_rcv_established+0x52c/0x798
CVSS 3.1 score
5.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Weakness type
CWE-476CVE-2025-38018 is a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability
What is NULL Pointer Dereference?
The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL, typically causing a crash. Learn more on MITRE CWE
Affected versions
Linux kernel versions
6.0
and later are affected. Fixed in
6.1.140,
6.6.92,
6.12.30,
6.14.8,
6.15
and their respective stable series.
References
The following references provide additional information about CVE-2025-38018 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.
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Third Party Advisory
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/406d05da26835943568e61bb751c569efae071d4
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/491deb9b8c4ad12fe51d554a69b8165b9ef9429f
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5f1f833cb388592bb46104463a1ec1b7c41975b6
Frequently asked questions
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What is CVE-2025-38018?
CVE-2025-38018 is a Medium severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10 , classified as a NULL Pointer Dereference flaw (CWE-476) . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.0 onward and has been patched in 6.1.140, 6.6.92, 6.12.30 and others. CVE-2025-38018 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
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What is the CVSS score for CVE-2025-38018?
CVE-2025-38018 has a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10, rated Medium severity (CVSS 3.1). The vector string is
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. -
Is there a patch available for CVE-2025-38018?
Yes — CVE-2025-38018 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.1.140, 6.6.92, 6.12.30 and others. If you are running Linux kernel 6.0 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.
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Is CVE-2025-38018 actively exploited?
No — CVE-2025-38018 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.
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What is NULL Pointer Dereference (CWE-476)?
The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL, typically causing a crash. View CWE-476 on MITRE CWE →