CVE-2025-38546

CVE-2025-38546 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-401.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: atm: clip: Fix memory leak of struct clip_vcc. ioctl(ATMARP_MKIP) allocates struct clip_vcc and set it to vcc->user_back. The code assumes that vcc_destroy_socket() passes NULL skb to vcc->push() when the socket is close()d, and then clip_push() frees clip_vcc. However, ioctl(ATMARPD_CTRL) sets NULL to vcc->push() in atm_init_atmarp(), resulting in memory leak. Let's serialise two ioctl() by lock_sock() and check vcc->push() in atm_init_atmarp() to prevent memleak.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-38546?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: atm: clip: Fix memory leak of struct clip_vcc. ioctl(ATMARP_MKIP) allocates struct clip_vcc and set it to vcc->user_back. The code assumes that vcc_destroy_socket() passes NULL skb to vcc->push() when the socket is close()d, and then clip_push() frees clip_vcc. However, ioctl(ATMARPD_CTRL) sets NULL to vcc->push() in atm_init_atmarp(), resulting in memory leak. Let's serialise two ioctl() by lock_sock() and check vcc->push() in atm_init_atmarp() to prevent memleak.
How severe is CVE-2025-38546?
CVE-2025-38546 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-2025-38546 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-2025-38546?
CVE-2025-38546 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 12 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38546?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2025-38546 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-38546 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-27898.
When was CVE-2025-38546 published?
CVE-2025-38546 was published on 2025-08-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (12)

More vulnerabilities in Linux Linux Kernel

All CVEs affecting Linux Linux Kernel →

Other CWE-401 (Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-401 (Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime) vulnerabilities →