CVE-2025-38416

CVE-2025-38416 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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: NFC: nci: uart: Set tty->disc_data only in success path Setting tty->disc_data before opening the NCI device means we need to clean it up on error paths. This also opens some short window if device starts sending data, even before NCIUARTSETDRIVER IOCTL succeeded (broken hardware?). Close the window by exposing tty->disc_data only on the success path, when opening of the NCI device and try_module_get() succeeds. The code differs in error path in one aspect: tty->disc_data won't be ever assigned thus NULL-ified. This however should not be relevant difference, because of "tty->disc_data=NULL" in nci_uart_tty_open().

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-38416?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: NFC: nci: uart: Set tty->disc_data only in success path Setting tty->disc_data before opening the NCI device means we need to clean it up on error paths. This also opens some short window if device starts sending data, even before NCIUARTSETDRIVER IOCTL succeeded (broken hardware?). Close the window by exposing tty->disc_data only on the success path, when opening of the NCI device and try_module_get() succeeds. The code differs in error path in one aspect: tty->disc_data won't be ever assigned thus NULL-ified. This however should not be relevant difference, because of "tty->disc_data=NULL" in nci_uart_tty_open().
How severe is CVE-2025-38416?
CVE-2025-38416 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2025-38416 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (8th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2025-38416?
CVE-2025-38416 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38416?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2025-38416 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-38416 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-22670.
When was CVE-2025-38416 published?
CVE-2025-38416 was published on 2025-07-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

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