CVE-2025-71233
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel. A local user with administrative privileges can trigger a NULL pointer dereference, a type of memory corruption vulnerability, in the PCI endpoint configfs code. This occurs when a user removes a driver directory before an asynchronously created sub-group operation completes. Successful exploitation leads to a kernel crash, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS).
Statement
A NULL pointer dereference can occur in the PCI endpoint configfs code because sub groups were created asynchronously using delayed work. If a user removes the driver directory before the delayed work runs the work handler can call configfs_register_group on freed or partially torn down objects and crash the kernel. For the CVSS the PR is H because writing to configfs and creating PCI endpoint function entries typically requires administrative privileges. The issue is not network reachable and is triggered by local filesystem operations on configfs entries. Impact is denial of service through a kernel crash and there is no clear indication of confidentiality or integrity impact from this NULL dereference.
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 | 4.4 | 5.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | High | Low | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | None | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
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