CVE-2025-38665
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-08-22

Last updated on: 2025-11-03

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: can: netlink: can_changelink(): fix NULL pointer deref of struct can_priv::do_set_mode Andrei Lalaev reported a NULL pointer deref when a CAN device is restarted from Bus Off and the driver does not implement the struct can_priv::do_set_mode callback. There are 2 code path that call struct can_priv::do_set_mode: - directly by a manual restart from the user space, via can_changelink() - delayed automatic restart after bus off (deactivated by default) To prevent the NULL pointer deference, refuse a manual restart or configure the automatic restart delay in can_changelink() and report the error via extack to user space. As an additional safety measure let can_restart() return an error if can_priv::do_set_mode is not set instead of dereferencing it unchecked.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-08-22
Last Modified
2025-11-03
Generated
2026-05-07
AI Q&A
2025-08-22
EPSS Evaluated
2026-05-05
NVD
CVE-2025-38665
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 6.1.153
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?

This vulnerability is a NULL pointer dereference in the Linux kernel's CAN (Controller Area Network) subsystem. It occurs when a CAN device is restarted from a Bus Off state and the driver does not implement the required callback function can_priv::do_set_mode. The vulnerability happens because the kernel code attempts to call this callback without checking if it is set, leading to a NULL pointer dereference and potential kernel crash or instability.


How can this vulnerability impact me? :

This vulnerability can cause the Linux kernel to crash or become unstable when a CAN device is restarted improperly, potentially leading to denial of service or system instability in environments using CAN devices.


What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?

To mitigate this vulnerability, ensure that the Linux kernel is updated to a version where the fix is applied. The fix prevents NULL pointer dereference by refusing manual restart or configuring automatic restart delay in can_changelink() and reporting errors properly. Therefore, applying the kernel update that includes this patch is the immediate step to prevent exploitation.


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