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TI-2025-25949 Aliases CVE-2025-38614GHSA-grcg-mgx8-mfvf

eventpoll: Fix semi-unbounded recursion

Priority LOW 35CWE-674Published · Updated

Key facts

Attack vector
Local
Privileges required
Low
User interaction
None
Attack complexity
Low
Impact type
Denial of service
Confidentiality · integrity · availability
High · High · High
Fix status
Partial Red Hat: 23 fixed, 4 without a fix

Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA and Red Hat. Impact type from CWE-674.

Summary

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: eventpoll: Fix semi-unbounded recursion Ensure that epoll instances can never form a graph deeper than EP_MAX_NESTS+1 links. Currently, ep_loop_check_proc() ensures that the graph is loop-free and does some recursion depth checks, but those recursion depth checks don't limit the depth of the resulting tree for two reasons: - They don't look upwards in the tree. - If there are multiple downwards paths of different lengths, only one of the paths is actually considered for the depth check since commit 28d82dc1c4ed ("epoll: limit paths"). Essentially, the current recursion depth check in ep_loop_check_proc() just serves to prevent it from recursing too deeply while checking for loops. A more thorough check is done in reverse_path_check() after the new graph edge has already been created; this checks, among other things, that no paths going upwards from any non-epoll file with a length of more than 5 edges exist. However, this check does not apply to non-epoll files. As a result, it is possible to recurse to a depth of at least roughly 500, tested on v6.15. (I am unsure if deeper recursion is possible; and this may have changed with commit 8c44dac8add7 ("eventpoll: Fix priority inversion problem").) To fix it: 1. In ep_loop_check_proc(), note the subtree depth of each visited node, and use subtree depths for the total depth calculation even when a subtree has already been visited. 2. Add ep_get_upwards_depth_proc() for similarly determining the maximum depth of an upwards walk. 3. In ep_loop_check(), use these values to limit the total path length between epoll nodes to EP_MAX_NESTS edges.

Why it matters now

Exploitation None reported CISA SSVC · not in CISA KEV
EPSS 0.00185 8th percentileScored 2026-11-07
Fix Partial Linux (Linux): 2.6.33, 2.6.34, 2.6.35 +9Red Hat: 8 advisoriesRed Hat: 23 fixed, 4 without a fix

SSVC decision points

CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3

Exploitation
None
Automatable
No
Technical impact
Total

The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.

Affected products

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed inStatusSource
LinuxLinux2.6.32.30 to before 2.6.33; 2.6.33.8 to before 2.6.34; 2.6.34.10 to before 2.6.35; 2.6.35.12 to before 2.6.36; 2.6.37.3 to before 2.6.382.6.33, 2.6.34, 2.6.35, 2.6.36, 2.6.38Patch availableCNA
LinuxLinux2.6.38 and later5.15.190, 6.1.149, 6.6.103, 6.12.43, 6.15.11, 6.16.1, 6.17Patch availableCNA
  • Linux VendorLinux Affected 2.6.32.30 to before 2.6.33; 2.6.33.8 to before 2.6.34; 2.6.34.10 to before 2.6.35; 2.6.35.12 to before 2.6.36; 2.6.37.3 to before 2.6.38 Fixed in 2.6.33, 2.6.34, 2.6.35, 2.6.36, 2.6.38 Patch available CNA
  • Linux VendorLinux Affected 2.6.38 and later Fixed in 5.15.190, 6.1.149, 6.6.103, 6.12.43, 6.15.11, 6.16.1, 6.17 Patch available CNA

CPE configurations NVD · 5

CPEVersionsRoleVendor
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*2.6.32.30 to before 2.6.33; 2.6.33.8 to before 2.6.34; 2.6.34.10 to before 2.6.35; 2.6.35.12 to before 2.6.36; 2.6.37.3 to before 2.6.38; 2.6.38.1 to before 5.15.190; 5.16 to before 6.1.149; 6.2 to before 6.6.103; 6.7 to before 6.12.43; 6.13 to before 6.15.11; 6.16 to before 6.16.1VulnerableLinux
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.38:-:*:*:*:*:*:*2.6.38VulnerableLinux
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.38:rc7:*:*:*:*:*:*2.6.38 rc7VulnerableLinux
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.38:rc8:*:*:*:*:*:*2.6.38 rc8VulnerableLinux
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*11.0VulnerableDebian
  • cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 2.6.32.30 to before 2.6.33; 2.6.33.8 to before 2.6.34; 2.6.34.10 to before 2.6.35; 2.6.35.12 to before 2.6.36; 2.6.37.3 to before 2.6.38; 2.6.38.1 to before 5.15.190; 5.16 to before 6.1.149; 6.2 to before 6.6.103; 6.7 to before 6.12.43; 6.13 to before 6.15.11; 6.16 to before 6.16.1 Vulnerable ·Linux
  • cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.38:-:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 2.6.38 Vulnerable ·Linux
  • cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.38:rc7:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 2.6.38 rc7 Vulnerable ·Linux
  • cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.38:rc8:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 2.6.38 rc8 Vulnerable ·Linux
  • cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:* Versions 11.0 Vulnerable ·Debian

Remediation

  • Fix · CNA Linux (Linux) Fixed in 2.6.33, 2.6.34, 2.6.35, 2.6.36, 2.6.38
  • Fix · CNA Linux (Linux) Fixed in 5.15.190, 6.1.149, 6.6.103, 6.12.43, 6.15.11, 6.16.1, 6.17

Red Hat 8 advisories

  • RHSA-2025:21463 Released 2025-11-17 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream (v. 10) kernel-64k-debug-devel-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-64k-debug-devel-matched-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-64k-devel-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1 +12
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS (v. 10) kernel-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-64k-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-64k-core-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1 +29
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux CodeReady Linux Builder (v. 10) kernel-tools-libs-devel-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, libperf-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time (v. 10) kernel-rt-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-rt-64k-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-rt-64k-core-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1 +21
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV (v. 10) kernel-rt-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-rt-core-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1, kernel-rt-debug-6.12.0-124.11.1.el10_1 +9
  • RHSA-2025:21128 Released 2025-11-12 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel-rt security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time E4S (v.9.2) kernel-rt-5.14.0-284.146.1.rt14.431.el9_2, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-284.146.1.rt14.431.el9_2, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-284.146.1.rt14.431.el9_2 +9
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV E4S (v.9.2) kernel-rt-5.14.0-284.146.1.rt14.431.el9_2, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-284.146.1.rt14.431.el9_2, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-284.146.1.rt14.431.el9_2 +11
  • RHSA-2025:21051 Released 2025-11-12 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream E4S (v.9.2) kernel-64k-debug-devel-5.14.0-284.146.1.el9_2, kernel-64k-debug-devel-matched-5.14.0-284.146.1.el9_2, kernel-64k-devel-5.14.0-284.146.1.el9_2 +10
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS E4S (v.9.2) bpftool-7.0.0-284.146.1.el9_2, kernel-5.14.0-284.146.1.el9_2, kernel-64k-5.14.0-284.146.1.el9_2 +29
Show 5 more Red Hat advisories
  • RHSA-2025:19492 Released 2025-11-03 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream E4S (v.9.0) kernel-debug-devel-5.14.0-70.151.1.el9_0, kernel-debug-devel-matched-5.14.0-70.151.1.el9_0, kernel-devel-5.14.0-70.151.1.el9_0 +5
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS E4S (v.9.0) bpftool-5.14.0-70.151.1.el9_0, kernel-5.14.0-70.151.1.el9_0, kernel-abi-stablelists-5.14.0-70.151.1.el9_0 +14
  • RHSA-2025:19268 Released 2025-10-29 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel-rt security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux NFV E4S (v.9.0) kernel-rt-5.14.0-70.151.1.rt21.223.el9_0, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-70.151.1.rt21.223.el9_0, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-70.151.1.rt21.223.el9_0 +9
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time E4S (v.9.0) kernel-rt-5.14.0-70.151.1.rt21.223.el9_0, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-70.151.1.rt21.223.el9_0, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-70.151.1.rt21.223.el9_0 +7
  • RHSA-2025:19104 Released 2025-10-27 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel security update
    • Red Hat CodeReady Linux Builder EUS (v.9.4) kernel-tools-libs-devel-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, libperf-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.4) kernel-64k-debug-devel-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-64k-debug-devel-matched-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-64k-devel-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4 +11
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS EUS (v.9.4) bpftool-7.3.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-64k-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4 +29
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time EUS (v.9.4) kernel-rt-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4 +9
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV EUS (v.9.4) kernel-rt-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-427.96.1.el9_4 +11
  • RHSA-2025:18318 Released 2025-10-20 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream (v. 10) kernel-64k-debug-devel-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-64k-debug-devel-matched-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-64k-devel-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0 +12
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS (v. 10) kernel-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-64k-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-64k-core-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0 +28
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux CodeReady Linux Builder (v. 10) kernel-tools-libs-devel-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, libperf-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time (v. 10) kernel-rt-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-rt-64k-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-rt-64k-core-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0 +21
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV (v. 10) kernel-rt-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-rt-core-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0, kernel-rt-debug-6.12.0-55.40.1.el10_0 +11
  • RHSA-2025:17760 Released 2025-10-13 · Red Hat rating Moderate
    kernel security update
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream (v. 9) kernel-64k-debug-devel-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-64k-debug-devel-matched-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-64k-devel-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6 +12
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS (v. 9) kernel-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-64k-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-64k-core-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6 +28
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux CodeReady Linux Builder (v. 9) kernel-tools-libs-devel-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, libperf-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time (v. 9) kernel-rt-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-rt-64k-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-rt-64k-core-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6 +21
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV (v. 9) kernel-rt-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-rt-core-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6, kernel-rt-debug-5.14.0-570.52.1.el9_6 +11

Vendor assessments

Red Hat

Red Hat rating: Moderate. Red Hat's page for this CVE →

ProductStatusPlan or fix
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6AffectedNo fix planned: Out of support scope
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7AffectedNo fix yet
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8AffectedNo fix yet
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9AffectedNo fix yet
Red Hat CodeReady Linux Builder EUS (v.9.4)Fixed RHSA-2025:19104
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream (v. 10)Fixed RHSA-2025:18318, RHSA-2025:21463
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream (v. 9)Fixed RHSA-2025:17760
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream E4S (v.9.0)Fixed RHSA-2025:19492
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream E4S (v.9.2)Fixed RHSA-2025:21051
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.4)Fixed RHSA-2025:19104
Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS (v. 10)Fixed RHSA-2025:18318, RHSA-2025:21463
Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS (v. 9)Fixed RHSA-2025:17760
Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS E4S (v.9.0)Fixed RHSA-2025:19492
Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS E4S (v.9.2)Fixed RHSA-2025:21051
Red Hat Enterprise Linux BaseOS EUS (v.9.4)Fixed RHSA-2025:19104
Red Hat Enterprise Linux CodeReady Linux Builder (v. 10)Fixed RHSA-2025:18318, RHSA-2025:21463
Red Hat Enterprise Linux CodeReady Linux Builder (v. 9)Fixed RHSA-2025:17760
Red Hat Enterprise Linux NFV E4S (v.9.0)Fixed RHSA-2025:19268
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time (v. 10)Fixed RHSA-2025:18318, RHSA-2025:21463
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time (v. 9)Fixed RHSA-2025:17760
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time E4S (v.9.0)Fixed RHSA-2025:19268
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time E4S (v.9.2)Fixed RHSA-2025:21128
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time EUS (v.9.4)Fixed RHSA-2025:19104
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV (v. 10)Fixed RHSA-2025:18318, RHSA-2025:21463
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV (v. 9)Fixed RHSA-2025:17760
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV E4S (v.9.2)Fixed RHSA-2025:21128
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Real Time for NFV EUS (v.9.4)Fixed RHSA-2025:19104

Timeline

  1. 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2025-38614
  2. 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-grcg-mgx8-mfvf
  3. 2026-10-16 CISA SSVC decision points changed

References

Patch 7

Advisory 1

  • TI-2025-26358 tls: fix handling of zero-length records on the rx_list KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
  • TI-2026-38352 netfilter: bridge: make ebt_snat ARP rewrite writable KEVCVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
  • TI-2013-05264 The (1) get_user and (2) put_user API functions in the Linux kernel before 3.5.5 on the… KEVCVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
  • TI-2022-00125 Integer overflow in kernel KEVCVSS 3.1HIGH 8.4
  • TI-2013-01864 The perf_swevent_init function in kernel/events/core.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.9… KEVCVSS 3.1HIGH 8.4
  • TI-2021-05514 Heap Out-Of-Bounds Write in Netfilter IP6T_SO_SET_REPLACE KEVCVSS 3.1HIGH 8.3
See all 15278 →

Sources

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