CVE-2025-38277

CVE-2025-38277 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-908.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mtd: nand: ecc-mxic: Fix use of uninitialized variable ret If ctx->steps is zero, the loop processing ECC steps is skipped, and the variable ret remains uninitialized. It is later checked and returned, which leads to undefined behavior and may cause unpredictable results in user space or kernel crashes. This scenario can be triggered in edge cases such as misconfigured geometry, ECC engine misuse, or if ctx->steps is not validated after initialization. Initialize ret to zero before the loop to ensure correct and safe behavior regardless of the ctx->steps value. Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with SVACE.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-38277?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mtd: nand: ecc-mxic: Fix use of uninitialized variable ret If ctx->steps is zero, the loop processing ECC steps is skipped, and the variable ret remains uninitialized. It is later checked and returned, which leads to undefined behavior and may cause unpredictable results in user space or kernel crashes. This scenario can be triggered in edge cases such as misconfigured geometry, ECC engine misuse, or if ctx->steps is not validated after initialization. Initialize ret to zero before the loop to ensure correct and safe behavior regardless of the ctx->steps value. Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with SVACE.
How severe is CVE-2025-38277?
CVE-2025-38277 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-2025-38277 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-2025-38277?
CVE-2025-38277 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38277?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2025-38277 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-38277 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-20971.
When was CVE-2025-38277 published?
CVE-2025-38277 was published on 2025-07-10 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

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