CVE-2025-38036
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel. Improper initialization of the Graphics Translation (GT) Memory-Mapped Input/Output (MMIO) during early setup for Virtual Functions (VFs) can lead to a null pointer dereference. A local attacker with low privileges could exploit this by attempting to use Graphics micro-controller (GuC) functions, causing a system crash and resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS).
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, prevent the `xe` kernel module from loading. This can be achieved by creating a blacklist rule. Note that this may impact graphics functionality if Intel Xe graphics are in use.
To blacklist the module:
1. Create a file `/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-xe.conf` with the following content:
blacklist xe2. Regenerate the initramfs:
install xe /bin/true
bashor for systems using `mkinitrd`:
dracut -f -v
bash3. Reboot the system for the changes to take effect.
mkinitrd -f -v /boot/initramfs-$(uname -r).img $(uname -r)
This mitigation will prevent the `xe` module from loading at boot. If the module is already loaded, it will remain loaded until the next reboot.
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 | 5.5 | 5.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | Low | 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:L/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)
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory
If the uninitialized pointer is used in a read operation, an attacker might be able to read sensitive portions of memory.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
If the uninitialized pointer references a memory location that is not accessible to the product, or points to a location that is "malformed" (such as NULL) or larger than expected by a read or write operation, then a crash may occur.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
If the uninitialized pointer is used in a function call, or points to unexpected data in a write operation, then code execution may be possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
