CVE-2025-39891
Description
From CVE.org
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mwifiex: Initialize the chan_stats array to zero The adapter->chan_stats[] array is initialized in mwifiex_init_channel_scan_gap() with vmalloc(), which doesn't zero out memory. The array is filled in mwifiex_update_chan_statistics() and then the user can query the data in mwifiex_cfg80211_dump_survey(). There are two potential issues here. What if the user calls mwifiex_cfg80211_dump_survey() before the data has been filled in. Also the mwifiex_update_chan_statistics() function doesn't necessarily initialize the whole array. Since the array was not initialized at the start that could result in an information leak. Also this array is pretty small. It's a maximum of 900 bytes so it's more appropriate to use kcalloc() instead vmalloc().
Statement
The patch fixes an information leak in the Marvell mwifiex driver by zero-initializing the chan_stats array using kcalloc(). Previously, vmalloc() left memory uninitialized, allowing users to read residual kernel data via mwifiex_cfg80211_dump_survey() before full initialization. Impact is confidentiality only (kernel memory exposure); no integrity or availability risk. For the CVSS the PR:L — requires local privileges to trigger survey requests, and in typical systems, only network admins can access this interface.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 6.2 | 7.1 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | None | Low | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | High | High | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | None | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Application Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.