CVE-2025-21926

CVE-2025-21926 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: net: gso: fix ownership in __udp_gso_segment In __udp_gso_segment the skb destructor is removed before segmenting the skb but the socket reference is kept as-is. This is an issue if the original skb is later orphaned as we can hit the following bug: kernel BUG at ./include/linux/skbuff.h:3312! (skb_orphan) RIP: 0010:ip_rcv_core+0x8b2/0xca0 Call Trace: ip_rcv+0xab/0x6e0 __netif_receive_skb_one_core+0x168/0x1b0 process_backlog+0x384/0x1100 __napi_poll.constprop.0+0xa1/0x370 net_rx_action+0x925/0xe50 The above can happen following a sequence of events when using OpenVSwitch, when an OVS_ACTION_ATTR_USERSPACE action precedes an OVS_ACTION_ATTR_OUTPUT action: 1. OVS_ACTION_ATTR_USERSPACE is handled (in do_execute_actions): the skb goes through queue_gso_packets and then __udp_gso_segment, where its destructor is removed. 2. The segments' data are copied and sent to userspace. 3. OVS_ACTION_ATTR_OUTPUT is handled (in do_execute_actions) and the same original skb is sent to its path. 4. If it later hits skb_orphan, we hit the bug. Fix this by also removing the reference to the socket in __udp_gso_segment.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-21926?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: gso: fix ownership in __udp_gso_segment In __udp_gso_segment the skb destructor is removed before segmenting the skb but the socket reference is kept as-is. This is an issue if the original skb is later orphaned as we can hit the following bug: kernel BUG at ./include/linux/skbuff.h:3312! (skb_orphan) RIP: 0010:ip_rcv_core+0x8b2/0xca0 Call Trace: ip_rcv+0xab/0x6e0 __netif_receive_skb_one_core+0x168/0x1b0 process_backlog+0x384/0x1100 __napi_poll.constprop.0+0xa1/0x370 net_rx_action+0x925/0xe50 The above can happen following a sequence of events when using OpenVSwitch, when an OVS_ACTION_ATTR_USERSPACE action precedes an OVS_ACTION_ATTR_OUTPUT action: 1. OVS_ACTION_ATTR_USERSPACE is handled (in do_execute_actions): the skb goes through queue_gso_packets and then __udp_gso_segment, where its destructor is removed. 2. The segments' data are copied and sent to userspace. 3. OVS_ACTION_ATTR_OUTPUT is handled (in do_execute_actions) and the same original skb is sent to its path. 4. If it later hits skb_orphan, we hit the bug. Fix this by also removing the reference to the socket in __udp_gso_segment.
How severe is CVE-2025-21926?
CVE-2025-21926 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-2025-21926 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (10th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2025-21926?
CVE-2025-21926 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-21926?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2025-21926 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-21926 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-9395.
When was CVE-2025-21926 published?
CVE-2025-21926 was published on 2025-04-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

More vulnerabilities in Linux Linux Kernel

All CVEs affecting Linux Linux Kernel →