CVE-2025-37818
CVE-2025-37818 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-476.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (5th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-13988
- Weakness: CWE-476
- Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: LoongArch: Return NULL from huge_pte_offset() for invalid PMD LoongArch's huge_pte_offset() currently returns a pointer to a PMD slot even if the underlying entry points to invalid_pte_table (indicating no mapping). Callers like smaps_hugetlb_range() fetch this invalid entry value (the address of invalid_pte_table) via this pointer. The generic is_swap_pte() check then incorrectly identifies this address as a swap entry on LoongArch, because it satisfies the "!pte_present() && !pte_none()" conditions. This misinterpretation, combined with a coincidental match by is_migration_entry() on the address bits, leads to kernel crashes in pfn_swap_entry_to_page(). Fix this at the architecture level by modifying huge_pte_offset() to check the PMD entry's content using pmd_none() before returning. If the entry is invalid (i.e., it points to invalid_pte_table), return NULL instead of the pointer to the slot.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-37818?
- In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: LoongArch: Return NULL from huge_pte_offset() for invalid PMD LoongArch's huge_pte_offset() currently returns a pointer to a PMD slot even if the underlying entry points to invalid_pte_table (indicating no mapping). Callers like smaps_hugetlb_range() fetch this invalid entry value (the address of invalid_pte_table) via this pointer. The generic is_swap_pte() check then incorrectly identifies this address as a swap entry on LoongArch, because it satisfies the "!pte_present() && !pte_none()" conditions. This misinterpretation, combined with a coincidental match by is_migration_entry() on the address bits, leads to kernel crashes in pfn_swap_entry_to_page(). Fix this at the architecture level by modifying huge_pte_offset() to check the PMD entry's content using pmd_none() before returning. If the entry is invalid (i.e., it points to invalid_pte_table), return NULL instead of the pointer to the slot.
- How severe is CVE-2025-37818?
- CVE-2025-37818 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-2025-37818 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2025-37818?
- CVE-2025-37818 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-37818?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2025-37818 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-37818 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-13988.
- When was CVE-2025-37818 published?
- CVE-2025-37818 was published on 2025-05-08 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2ca9380b12711afe95b3589bd82b59623b3c96b3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/34256805720993e37adf6127371a1265aea8376a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/51424fd171cee6a33f01f7c66b8eb23ac42289d4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b49f085cd671addbda4802d6b9382513f7dd0f30
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bd51834d1cf65a2c801295d230c220aeebf87a73
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/05/msg00045.html
Affected products (5)
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:6.15:rc1:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:6.15:rc2:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:6.15:rc3:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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