CVE-2025-21781

CVE-2025-21781 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: batman-adv: fix panic during interface removal Reference counting is used to ensure that batadv_hardif_neigh_node and batadv_hard_iface are not freed before/during batadv_v_elp_throughput_metric_update work is finished. But there isn't a guarantee that the hard if will remain associated with a soft interface up until the work is finished. This fixes a crash triggered by reboot that looks like this: Call trace: batadv_v_mesh_free+0xd0/0x4dc [batman_adv] batadv_v_elp_throughput_metric_update+0x1c/0xa4 process_one_work+0x178/0x398 worker_thread+0x2e8/0x4d0 kthread+0xd8/0xdc ret_from_fork+0x10/0x20 (the batadv_v_mesh_free call is misleading, and does not actually happen) I was able to make the issue happen more reliably by changing hardif_neigh->bat_v.metric_work work to be delayed work. This allowed me to track down and confirm the fix. [[email protected]: prevent entering batadv_v_elp_get_throughput without soft_iface]

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-21781?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: batman-adv: fix panic during interface removal Reference counting is used to ensure that batadv_hardif_neigh_node and batadv_hard_iface are not freed before/during batadv_v_elp_throughput_metric_update work is finished. But there isn't a guarantee that the hard if will remain associated with a soft interface up until the work is finished. This fixes a crash triggered by reboot that looks like this: Call trace: batadv_v_mesh_free+0xd0/0x4dc [batman_adv] batadv_v_elp_throughput_metric_update+0x1c/0xa4 process_one_work+0x178/0x398 worker_thread+0x2e8/0x4d0 kthread+0xd8/0xdc ret_from_fork+0x10/0x20 (the batadv_v_mesh_free call is misleading, and does not actually happen) I was able to make the issue happen more reliably by changing hardif_neigh->bat_v.metric_work work to be delayed work. This allowed me to track down and confirm the fix. [[email protected]: prevent entering batadv_v_elp_get_throughput without soft_iface]
How severe is CVE-2025-21781?
CVE-2025-21781 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2025-21781 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (11th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2025-21781?
CVE-2025-21781 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-21781?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2025-21781 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-21781 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-5148.
When was CVE-2025-21781 published?
CVE-2025-21781 was published on 2025-02-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

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