CVE-2025-38711
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-09-04

Last updated on: 2025-11-03

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: smb/server: avoid deadlock when linking with ReplaceIfExists If smb2_create_link() is called with ReplaceIfExists set and the name does exist then a deadlock will happen. ksmbd_vfs_kern_path_locked() will return with success and the parent directory will be locked. ksmbd_vfs_remove_file() will then remove the file. ksmbd_vfs_link() will then be called while the parent is still locked. It will try to lock the same parent and will deadlock. This patch moves the ksmbd_vfs_kern_path_unlock() call to *before* ksmbd_vfs_link() and then simplifies the code, removing the file_present flag variable.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-09-04
Last Modified
2025-11-03
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2025-09-04
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2025-38711
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux linux_kernel 6.1.153
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN
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Executive Summary

This vulnerability occurs in the Linux kernel's SMB server code when the smb2_create_link() function is called with the ReplaceIfExists flag set and the target name already exists. In this case, a deadlock happens because the parent directory is locked during the removal of the existing file and then an attempt is made to lock the same parent directory again while it is still locked. This causes the system to hang or freeze due to the deadlock.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can cause a deadlock in the Linux kernel SMB server, leading to a system hang or freeze when attempting to create a link with ReplaceIfExists set on an existing name. This can disrupt normal file operations and potentially affect system availability or stability.

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