CVE-2025-39863

CVE-2025-39863 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: brcmfmac: fix use-after-free when rescheduling brcmf_btcoex_info work The brcmf_btcoex_detach() only shuts down the btcoex timer, if the flag timer_on is false. However, the brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc(), which runs as timer handler, sets timer_on to false. This creates critical race conditions: 1.If brcmf_btcoex_detach() is called while brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc() is executing, it may observe timer_on as false and skip the call to timer_shutdown_sync(). 2.The brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc() may then reschedule the brcmf_btcoex_info worker after the cancel_work_sync() has been executed, resulting in use-after-free bugs. The use-after-free bugs occur in two distinct scenarios, depending on the timing of when the brcmf_btcoex_info struct is freed relative to the execution of its worker thread. Scenario 1: Freed before the worker is scheduled The brcmf_btcoex_info is deallocated before the worker is scheduled. A race condition can occur when schedule_work(&bt_local->work) is called after the target memory has been freed. The sequence of events is detailed below: CPU0 | CPU1 brcmf_btcoex_detach | brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc | bt_local->timer_on = false; if (cfg->btcoex->timer_on) | ... | cancel_work_sync(); | ... | kfree(cfg->btcoex); // FREE | | schedule_work(&bt_local->work); // USE Scenario 2: Freed after the worker is scheduled The brcmf_btcoex_info is freed after the worker has been scheduled but before or during its execution. In this case, statements within the brcmf_btcoex_handler() — such as the container_of macro and subsequent dereferences of the brcmf_btcoex_info object will cause a use-after-free access. The following timeline illustrates this scenario: CPU0 | CPU1 brcmf_btcoex_detach | brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc | bt_local->timer_on = false; if (cfg->btcoex->timer_on) | ... | cancel_work_sync(); | ... | schedule_work(); // Reschedule | kfree(cfg->btcoex); // FREE | brcmf_btcoex_handler() // Worker /* | btci = container_of(....); // USE The kfree() above could | ... also occur at any point | btci-> // USE during the worker's execution| */ | To resolve the race conditions, drop the conditional check and call timer_shutdown_sync() directly. It can deactivate the timer reliably, regardless of its current state. Once stopped, the timer_on state is then set to false.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2025-39863?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: brcmfmac: fix use-after-free when rescheduling brcmf_btcoex_info work The brcmf_btcoex_detach() only shuts down the btcoex timer, if the flag timer_on is false. However, the brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc(), which runs as timer handler, sets timer_on to false. This creates critical race conditions: 1.If brcmf_btcoex_detach() is called while brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc() is executing, it may observe timer_on as false and skip the call to timer_shutdown_sync(). 2.The brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc() may then reschedule the brcmf_btcoex_info worker after the cancel_work_sync() has been executed, resulting in use-after-free bugs. The use-after-free bugs occur in two distinct scenarios, depending on the timing of when the brcmf_btcoex_info struct is freed relative to the execution of its worker thread. Scenario 1: Freed before the worker is scheduled The brcmf_btcoex_info is deallocated before the worker is scheduled. A race condition can occur when schedule_work(&bt_local->work) is called after the target memory has been freed. The sequence of events is detailed below: CPU0 | CPU1 brcmf_btcoex_detach | brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc | bt_local->timer_on = false; if (cfg->btcoex->timer_on) | ... | cancel_work_sync(); | ... | kfree(cfg->btcoex); // FREE | | schedule_work(&bt_local->work); // USE Scenario 2: Freed after the worker is scheduled The brcmf_btcoex_info is freed after the worker has been scheduled but before or during its execution. In this case, statements within the brcmf_btcoex_handler() — such as the container_of macro and subsequent dereferences of the brcmf_btcoex_info object will cause a use-after-free access. The following timeline illustrates this scenario: CPU0 | CPU1 brcmf_btcoex_detach | brcmf_btcoex_timerfunc | bt_local->timer_on = false; if (cfg->btcoex->timer_on) | ... | cancel_work_sync(); | ... | schedule_work(); // Reschedule | kfree(cfg->btcoex); // FREE | brcmf_btcoex_handler() // Worker /* | btci = container_of(....); // USE The kfree() above could | ... also occur at any point | btci-> // USE during the worker's execution| */ | To resolve the race conditions, drop the conditional check and call timer_shutdown_sync() directly. It can deactivate the timer reliably, regardless of its current state. Once stopped, the timer_on state is then set to false.
How severe is CVE-2025-39863?
CVE-2025-39863 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-2025-39863 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2025-39863?
CVE-2025-39863 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-39863?
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-2025-39863 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2025-39863 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-30337.
When was CVE-2025-39863 published?
CVE-2025-39863 was published on 2025-09-19 and last updated on 2026-06-19.

References

Affected products (5)

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