CVE-2025-39766

CVE-2025-39766 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: net/sched: Make cake_enqueue return NET_XMIT_CN when past buffer_limit The following setup can trigger a WARNING in htb_activate due to the condition: !cl->leaf.q->q.qlen tc qdisc del dev lo root tc qdisc add dev lo root handle 1: htb default 1 tc class add dev lo parent 1: classid 1:1 \ htb rate 64bit tc qdisc add dev lo parent 1:1 handle f: \ cake memlimit 1b ping -I lo -f -c1 -s64 -W0.001 127.0.0.1 This is because the low memlimit leads to a low buffer_limit, which causes packet dropping. However, cake_enqueue still returns NET_XMIT_SUCCESS, causing htb_enqueue to call htb_activate with an empty child qdisc. We should return NET_XMIT_CN when packets are dropped from the same tin and flow. I do not believe return value of NET_XMIT_CN is necessary for packet drops in the case of ack filtering, as that is meant to optimize performance, not to signal congestion.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-39766?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net/sched: Make cake_enqueue return NET_XMIT_CN when past buffer_limit The following setup can trigger a WARNING in htb_activate due to the condition: !cl->leaf.q->q.qlen tc qdisc del dev lo root tc qdisc add dev lo root handle 1: htb default 1 tc class add dev lo parent 1: classid 1:1 \ htb rate 64bit tc qdisc add dev lo parent 1:1 handle f: \ cake memlimit 1b ping -I lo -f -c1 -s64 -W0.001 127.0.0.1 This is because the low memlimit leads to a low buffer_limit, which causes packet dropping. However, cake_enqueue still returns NET_XMIT_SUCCESS, causing htb_enqueue to call htb_activate with an empty child qdisc. We should return NET_XMIT_CN when packets are dropped from the same tin and flow. I do not believe return value of NET_XMIT_CN is necessary for packet drops in the case of ack filtering, as that is meant to optimize performance, not to signal congestion.
How severe is CVE-2025-39766?
CVE-2025-39766 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-2025-39766 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-2025-39766?
CVE-2025-39766 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-2025-39766?
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-2025-39766 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-39766 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-28946.
When was CVE-2025-39766 published?
CVE-2025-39766 was published on 2025-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

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