CVE-2025-38732

CVE-2025-38732 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.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nf_reject: don't leak dst refcount for loopback packets recent patches to add a WARN() when replacing skb dst entry found an old bug: WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 skb_dst_check_unset include/linux/skbuff.h:1164 [inline] WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 skb_dst_set include/linux/skbuff.h:1210 [inline] WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 nf_reject_fill_skb_dst+0x2a4/0x330 net/ipv4/netfilter/nf_reject_ipv4.c:234 [..] Call Trace: nf_send_unreach+0x17b/0x6e0 net/ipv4/netfilter/nf_reject_ipv4.c:325 nft_reject_inet_eval+0x4bc/0x690 net/netfilter/nft_reject_inet.c:27 expr_call_ops_eval net/netfilter/nf_tables_core.c:237 [inline] .. This is because blamed commit forgot about loopback packets. Such packets already have a dst_entry attached, even at PRE_ROUTING stage. Instead of checking hook just check if the skb already has a route attached to it.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-38732?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nf_reject: don't leak dst refcount for loopback packets recent patches to add a WARN() when replacing skb dst entry found an old bug: WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 skb_dst_check_unset include/linux/skbuff.h:1164 [inline] WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 skb_dst_set include/linux/skbuff.h:1210 [inline] WARNING: include/linux/skbuff.h:1165 nf_reject_fill_skb_dst+0x2a4/0x330 net/ipv4/netfilter/nf_reject_ipv4.c:234 [..] Call Trace: nf_send_unreach+0x17b/0x6e0 net/ipv4/netfilter/nf_reject_ipv4.c:325 nft_reject_inet_eval+0x4bc/0x690 net/netfilter/nft_reject_inet.c:27 expr_call_ops_eval net/netfilter/nf_tables_core.c:237 [inline] .. This is because blamed commit forgot about loopback packets. Such packets already have a dst_entry attached, even at PRE_ROUTING stage. Instead of checking hook just check if the skb already has a route attached to it.
How severe is CVE-2025-38732?
CVE-2025-38732 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-2025-38732 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (6th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2025-38732?
CVE-2025-38732 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-2025-38732?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2025-38732 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-38732 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-31557.
When was CVE-2025-38732 published?
CVE-2025-38732 was published on 2025-09-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

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