CVE-2025-38668
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: regulator: core: fix NULL dereference on unbind due to stale coupling data Failing to reset coupling_desc.n_coupled after freeing coupled_rdevs can lead to NULL pointer dereference when regulators are accessed post-unbind. This can happen during runtime PM or other regulator operations that rely on coupling metadata. For example, on ridesx4, unbinding the 'reg-dummy' platform device triggers a panic in regulator_lock_recursive() due to stale coupling state. Ensure n_coupled is set to 0 to prevent access to invalid pointers.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-08-22
Last Modified
2025-11-03
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-08-22
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-14
NVD
CVE-2025-38668
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux kernel 5.10.244-1
linux kernel 6.1.153-1
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves a NULL pointer dereference caused by stale coupling data in the regulator core. Specifically, after unbinding regulators, the coupling_desc.n_coupled value is not reset to zero, which leads to attempts to access invalid pointers during subsequent regulator operations such as runtime power management. This can cause kernel panics, for example, when unbinding the 'reg-dummy' platform device triggers a panic in regulator_lock_recursive() due to this stale state.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause system instability or crashes (kernel panics) when certain regulator operations are performed after unbinding devices. This can lead to denial of service or unexpected system behavior, potentially affecting system reliability and uptime.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, ensure that the Linux kernel is updated to a version where the fix is applied. Specifically, the fix involves resetting the coupling_desc.n_coupled to 0 after freeing coupled_rdevs to prevent NULL pointer dereference. Applying the latest kernel patches or updates that address this issue will prevent panics caused by stale coupling state during regulator operations.

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