CVE-2025-38292
Description
From CVE.org
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: ath12k: fix invalid access to memory In ath12k_dp_rx_msdu_coalesce(), rxcb is fetched from skb and boolean is_continuation is part of rxcb. Currently, after freeing the skb, the rxcb->is_continuation accessed again which is wrong since the memory is already freed. This might lead use-after-free error. Hence, fix by locally defining bool is_continuation from rxcb, so that after freeing skb, is_continuation can be used. Compile tested only.
Statement
This patch addresses a use-after-free vulnerability in the ath12k_dp_rx_msdu_coalesce() function, where memory was accessed after freeing the associated skb. Specifically, the rxcb->is_continuation field was read post-free, leading to potential kernel crashes. The patch stores the value before freeing the buffer. The Required Privileges for CVSS is Low (PR:L), because triggering this flaw likely requires the ability to inject or manipulate network traffic handled by the Wi-Fi driver, which is feasible from a local user space process using standard socket interfaces or crafted packets.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, prevent module ath12k from being loaded. Please see https://access.redhat.com/solutions/41278 for how to blacklist a kernel module to prevent it from loading automatically.
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).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.3 | 7.1 | 8.8 |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | Adjacent Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | None |
| User Interaction | None | None | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | Low | High | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | None | High |
| Availability Impact | High | High | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Memory
The use of previously freed memory may corrupt valid data, if the memory area in question has been allocated and used properly elsewhere.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
If chunk consolidation occurs after the use of previously freed data, the process may crash when invalid data is used as chunk information.
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory
Read operations on freed memory can sometimes leak sensitive information instead of causing a crash
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
If malicious data is entered before chunk consolidation can take place, it may be possible to take advantage of a write-what-where primitive to execute arbitrary code. If the newly allocated data happens to hold a class, in C++ for example, various function pointers may be scattered within the heap data. If one of these function pointers is overwritten with an address to valid shellcode, execution of arbitrary code can be achieved.
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