CVE-2025-38580
HighIn the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: fix inode use after free in ext4_end_io_rsv_work() In ext4_io_end_defer_completion(), check if io_end->list_vec is empty to avoid adding an io_end that requires no conversion to the i_rsv_conversion_list, which in turn prevents starting an unnecessary worker. An ext4_emergency_state() check is also added to avoid attempting to abort the journal in an emergency state. Additionally, ext4_put_io_end_defer() is refactored to call ext4_io_end_defer_completion() directly instead of being open-coded. This also prevents starting an unnecessary worker when EXT4_IO_END_FAILED is set but data_err=abort is not enabled. This ensures that the check in ext4_put_io_end_defer() is consistent with the check in ext4_end_bio(). Otherwise, we might add an io_end to the i_rsv_conversion_list and then call ext4_finish_bio(), after which the inode could be freed before ext4_end_io_rsv_work() is called, triggering a use-after-free issue.
CVSS 3.1 score
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness type
CWE-416CVE-2025-38580 is a Use After Free vulnerability
What is Use After Free?
The product references memory after it has been freed, which may cause it to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. Learn more on MITRE CWE
Affected versions
Linux kernel versions
6.15
and later are affected. Fixed in
6.15.10,
6.16.1,
6.17
and their respective stable series.
References
The following references provide additional information about CVE-2025-38580 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/469c44e66e2110054949609dde095788320139d0
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ac999862b98a0f49e858e509f776be51406f1e77
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c678bdc998754589cea2e6afab9401d7d8312ac4
Frequently asked questions
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What is CVE-2025-38580?
CVE-2025-38580 is a High severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10 , classified as an Use After Free flaw (CWE-416) . It affects Linux kernel versions from 6.15 onward and has been patched in 6.15.10, 6.16.1 and 6.17. CVE-2025-38580 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-2025-38580?
CVE-2025-38580 has a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10, rated High severity (CVSS 3.1). The vector string is
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. -
Is there a patch available for CVE-2025-38580?
Yes — CVE-2025-38580 has been patched. Fixed versions include 6.15.10, 6.16.1 and 6.17. If you are running Linux kernel 6.15 or later up to the fix versions, apply the relevant patch for your kernel branch.
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Is CVE-2025-38580 actively exploited?
No — CVE-2025-38580 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 Use After Free (CWE-416)?
The product references memory after it has been freed, which may cause it to crash, use unexpected values, or execute code. View CWE-416 on MITRE CWE →