CVE-2025-38704

CVE-2025-38704 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: rcu/nocb: Fix possible invalid rdp's->nocb_cb_kthread pointer access In the preparation stage of CPU online, if the corresponding the rdp's->nocb_cb_kthread does not exist, will be created, there is a situation where the rdp's rcuop kthreads creation fails, and then de-offload this CPU's rdp, does not assign this CPU's rdp->nocb_cb_kthread pointer, but this rdp's->nocb_gp_rdp and rdp's->rdp_gp->nocb_gp_kthread is still valid. This will cause the subsequent re-offload operation of this offline CPU, which will pass the conditional check and the kthread_unpark() will access invalid rdp's->nocb_cb_kthread pointer. This commit therefore use rdp's->nocb_gp_kthread instead of rdp_gp's->nocb_gp_kthread for safety check.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-38704?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: rcu/nocb: Fix possible invalid rdp's->nocb_cb_kthread pointer access In the preparation stage of CPU online, if the corresponding the rdp's->nocb_cb_kthread does not exist, will be created, there is a situation where the rdp's rcuop kthreads creation fails, and then de-offload this CPU's rdp, does not assign this CPU's rdp->nocb_cb_kthread pointer, but this rdp's->nocb_gp_rdp and rdp's->rdp_gp->nocb_gp_kthread is still valid. This will cause the subsequent re-offload operation of this offline CPU, which will pass the conditional check and the kthread_unpark() will access invalid rdp's->nocb_cb_kthread pointer. This commit therefore use rdp's->nocb_gp_kthread instead of rdp_gp's->nocb_gp_kthread for safety check.
How severe is CVE-2025-38704?
CVE-2025-38704 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-2025-38704 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-2025-38704?
CVE-2025-38704 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-38704?
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-2025-38704 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-38704 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-26765.
When was CVE-2025-38704 published?
CVE-2025-38704 was published on 2025-09-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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