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CVE Record

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.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

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.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2025-21709 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2025-21709Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxd2406291483775ecddaee929231a39c70c08fda2, d2406291483775ecddaee929231a39c70c08fda2, d2406291483775ecddaee929231a39c70c08fda2unaffected
LinuxLinux6.8, 0, 6.12.83, 6.13.2, 6.14affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.