CVE-2025-38642
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-08-22

Last updated on: 2025-11-26

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mac80211: fix WARN_ON for monitor mode on some devices On devices without WANT_MONITOR_VIF (and probably without channel context support) we get a WARN_ON for changing the per-link setting of a monitor interface. Since we already skip AP_VLAN interfaces and MONITOR with WANT_MONITOR_VIF and/or NO_VIRTUAL_MONITOR should update the settings, catch this in the link change code instead of the warning.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-08-22
Last Modified
2025-11-26
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-08-22
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2025-38642
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel From 5.15.160 (inc) to 5.16 (inc)
linux linux_kernel From 5.15.160 (inc) to 5.16 (inc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-617 The product contains an assert() or similar statement that can be triggered by an attacker, which leads to an application exit or other behavior that is more severe than necessary.
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves the Linux kernel's wifi mac80211 component where a warning (WARN_ON) occurs when changing the per-link setting of a monitor interface on some devices that lack WANT_MONITOR_VIF and probably channel context support. The issue arises because the code does not properly handle these cases, leading to a warning that could indicate improper handling of monitor mode interfaces. The fix involves catching this condition in the link change code instead of triggering the warning.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability causes a warning in the kernel when changing settings on monitor mode wifi interfaces on certain devices. While it may not directly lead to a security breach, such warnings can indicate instability or improper handling of wifi monitor interfaces, potentially affecting device reliability or wifi monitoring functionality.

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