CVE-2025-38277
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-07-10

Last updated on: 2025-12-18

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mtd: nand: ecc-mxic: Fix use of uninitialized variable ret If ctx->steps is zero, the loop processing ECC steps is skipped, and the variable ret remains uninitialized. It is later checked and returned, which leads to undefined behavior and may cause unpredictable results in user space or kernel crashes. This scenario can be triggered in edge cases such as misconfigured geometry, ECC engine misuse, or if ctx->steps is not validated after initialization. Initialize ret to zero before the loop to ensure correct and safe behavior regardless of the ctx->steps value. Found by Linux Verification Center (linuxtesting.org) with SVACE.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-07-10
Last Modified
2025-12-18
Generated
2026-05-07
AI Q&A
2025-07-10
EPSS Evaluated
2026-05-05
NVD
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel From 6.13 (inc) to 6.15.3 (inc)
debian debian_linux 11.0
linux linux_kernel *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-908 The product uses or accesses a resource that has not been initialized.
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AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's NAND ECC driver (ecc-mxic) occurs because a variable 'ret' is used without being initialized if a certain condition (ctx->steps being zero) causes a loop to be skipped. This leads to undefined behavior, which can cause unpredictable results in user space or kernel crashes. The issue arises in edge cases such as misconfigured geometry or misuse of the ECC engine. The fix involves initializing 'ret' to zero before the loop to ensure safe behavior.


How can this vulnerability impact me? :

The vulnerability can cause unpredictable results or kernel crashes, which may lead to system instability or denial of service. This could affect the reliability of systems using the affected Linux kernel NAND ECC driver, especially in edge cases involving misconfiguration or misuse.


What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?

The immediate step to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the Linux kernel to a version where the mtd: nand: ecc-mxic driver has been fixed to initialize the variable 'ret' before the ECC steps loop. This prevents undefined behavior and potential kernel crashes caused by uninitialized variable usage. Ensuring that ctx->steps is properly validated and that the kernel source includes the fix described will mitigate the issue.


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