CVE-2025-21988
CVE-2025-21988 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
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (7th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-9541
- Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/netfs/read_collect: add to next->prev_donated If multiple subrequests donate data to the same "next" request (depending on the subrequest completion order), each of them would overwrite the `prev_donated` field, causing data corruption and a BUG() crash ("Can't donate prior to front").
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-21988?
- In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/netfs/read_collect: add to next->prev_donated If multiple subrequests donate data to the same "next" request (depending on the subrequest completion order), each of them would overwrite the `prev_donated` field, causing data corruption and a BUG() crash ("Can't donate prior to front").
- How severe is CVE-2025-21988?
- CVE-2025-21988 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-2025-21988 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (7th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2025-21988?
- CVE-2025-21988 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-21988?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2025-21988 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-21988 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-9541.
- When was CVE-2025-21988 published?
- CVE-2025-21988 was published on 2025-04-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/62b9ad7e52d4777f7e775ee1f0ad2452f6041024
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e25cec3b76aba47a49138d2162fc809c6cd49c9e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e2d46f2ec332533816417b60933954173f602121
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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