CVE-2025-21767: clocksource: Use migrate_disable() to avoid calling get_random_u32() in atomic context
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
clocksource: Use migrate_disable() to avoid calling get_random_u32() in atomic context
The following bug report happened with a PREEMPT_RT kernel:
BUG: sleeping function called from invalid context at kernel/locking/spinlock_rt.c:48
in_atomic(): 1, irqs_disabled(): 0, non_block: 0, pid: 2012, name: kwatchdog
preempt_count: 1, expected: 0
RCU nest depth: 0, expected: 0
get_random_u32+0x4f/0x110
clocksource_verify_choose_cpus+0xab/0x1a0
clocksource_verify_percpu.part.0+0x6b/0x330
clocksource_watchdog_kthread+0x193/0x1a0
It is due to the fact that clocksource_verify_choose_cpus() is invoked with
preemption disabled. This function invokes get_random_u32() to obtain
random numbers for choosing CPUs. The batched_entropy_32 local lock and/or
the base_crng.lock spinlock in driver/char/random.c will be acquired during
the call. In PREEMPT_RT kernel, they are both sleeping locks and so cannot
be acquired in atomic context.
Fix this problem by using migrate_disable() to allow smp_processor_id() to
be reliably used without introducing atomic context. preempt_disable() is
then called after clocksource_verify_choose_cpus() but before the
clocksource measurement is being run to avoid introducing unexpected
latency.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2025-21767 is a Linux kernel flaw affecting clocksource watchdog handling, especially relevant to PREEMPT_RT real-time kernels. A kernel thread can call random-number code while in an invalid atomic context, producing kernel BUG warnings and potential reliability impact. The source bundle provides no CVSS score or confirmed business impact.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted reliability issue, not an emergency internet-exploitation event based on current evidence. Prioritize regulated, industrial, embedded, or latency-sensitive Linux environments where PREEMPT_RT kernels are used.
Technical view
clocksource_verify_choose_cpus() was called with preemption disabled, then invoked get_random_u32(). On PREEMPT_RT, random.c locks can be sleeping locks, so acquiring them in atomic context is invalid. The fix replaces that portion with migrate_disable(), delaying preempt_disable() until clocksource measurement.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Linux systems using affected kernel versions or downstream kernels with PREEMPT_RT behavior. Debian LTS and Siemens references indicate downstream tracking, but the bundle does not provide a complete product inventory.
Exploitation context
No active exploitation is supported by the supplied sources, and KEV is false. The evidence describes a kernel correctness and reliability bug triggered in watchdog clocksource verification, not a documented remote attack path.
Researcher notes
The supplied data lacks CVSS, CWE, and complete affected product mapping. Analysis should focus on kernel branch backports, PREEMPT_RT configuration, and whether downstream vendors ship the affected clocksource watchdog code without the stable fix.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the referenced Linux stable fixes.
Prioritize PREEMPT_RT or real-time Linux deployments for review.
Check Debian LTS and Siemens advisories where those distributions or products apply.
If no vendor package is available, follow vendor guidance for supported backports.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across affected assets.
Identify systems running PREEMPT_RT or real-time kernel variants.
Confirm vendor packages include the relevant stable clocksource fix.
Review kernel logs for matching invalid-context BUG messages.
Track remediation through distribution or appliance vendor advisories.
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
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
cve · low confidence lookup
CVE-2025-21767 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
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.
0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
11Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Feb 27, 2025, 02:18 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.