CVE-2025-21709: kernel: be more careful about dup_mmap() failures and uprobe registering
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
kernel: be more careful about dup_mmap() failures and uprobe registering
If a memory allocation fails during dup_mmap(), the maple tree can be left
in an unsafe state for other iterators besides the exit path. All the
locks are dropped before the exit_mmap() call (in mm/mmap.c), but the
incomplete mm_struct can be reached through (at least) the rmap finding
the vmas which have a pointer back to the mm_struct.
Up to this point, there have been no issues with being able to find an
mm_struct that was only partially initialised. Syzbot was able to make
the incomplete mm_struct fail with recent forking changes, so it has been
proven unsafe to use the mm_struct that hasn't been initialised, as
referenced in the link below.
Although 8ac662f5da19f ("fork: avoid inappropriate uprobe access to
invalid mm") fixed the uprobe access, it does not completely remove the
race.
This patch sets the MMF_OOM_SKIP to avoid the iteration of the vmas on the
oom side (even though this is extremely unlikely to be selected as an oom
victim in the race window), and sets MMF_UNSTABLE to avoid other potential
users from using a partially initialised mm_struct.
When registering vmas for uprobe, skip the vmas in an mm that is marked
unstable. Modifying a vma in an unstable mm may cause issues if the mm
isn't fully initialised.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A low-privileged local user may trigger a Linux kernel race after memory allocation fails while duplicating a process memory map. The resulting partially initialized state can be accessed unsafely, potentially affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Network exposure alone is insufficient; an attacker must already be able to run code locally.
Executive priority
Prioritize patch assessment for multi-user, developer, build, and shared-compute Linux systems. Treat this as a high local-risk issue, not an unauthenticated internet emergency. Validate distribution backports promptly because the supplied affected-version representation is incomplete and may otherwise produce incorrect exposure decisions.
Technical view
During dup_mmap() failure, an incomplete mm_struct and unsafe maple-tree state may remain reachable after locks are released. Reverse mapping, OOM handling, or uprobe registration can then encounter or modify partially initialized VMAs. The fix marks the memory map OOM-skippable and unstable, and prevents uprobe registration against unstable mappings.
Likely exposure
Potentially exposed assets are Linux systems running affected kernels where untrusted or compromised low-privileged accounts can execute code. Shared or multi-user systems warrant greater attention. The supplied version data names 6.8, 6.12.83, 6.13.2, and 6.14, but does not clearly express exact affected ranges or distribution backports.
Exploitation context
The CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8 with local access and low privileges required. Syzbot demonstrated the unsafe kernel state, supporting reproducibility of the defect. The supplied record is not in KEV and provides no evidence of active exploitation, public weaponization, or a reliable privilege-escalation exploit.
Researcher notes
The race extends beyond the earlier uprobe-specific correction: other iterators can reach an mm_struct left partially initialized after dup_mmap() failure. The cited change uses MMF_OOM_SKIP and MMF_UNSTABLE, while uprobe VMA registration skips unstable mappings. The bundle identifies no CWE and does not establish a practical path from the race to each CVSS impact.
Mitigation direction
Install a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable cited stable fix or distribution backport.
Consult the Linux distribution advisory to resolve ambiguous affected-version boundaries before prioritizing fleet updates.
Reboot systems into the updated kernel and remove vulnerable kernels from normal boot selection.
Restrict unnecessary local accounts and untrusted code execution until affected systems are updated.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions across Linux servers, workstations, virtual machines, and shared hosts.
Confirm the running kernel includes the relevant fix commit or an explicitly documented vendor backport.
Verify systems actually booted the updated kernel after installation.
Review vendor security advisories because package versions may not match upstream kernel version numbering.
Monitor kernel logs for abnormal memory-management, uprobe, fork, or crash events; absence does not prove safety.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVE-2025-21709 mapping review
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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
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