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CVE Record

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.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

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.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
12

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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ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2025-21767 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
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.

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.

  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.

ADP provider summaries

CVECVE Program Container
siemens-SADPADP container
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxd9b40ebd448e437ffbc65f013836f98252279a82, 7560c02bdffb7c52d1457fa551b9e745d4b9e754, 7560c02bdffb7c52d1457fa551b9e745d4b9e754, 7560c02bdffb7c52d1457fa551b9e745d4b9e754, 7560c02bdffb7c52d1457fa551b9e745d4b9e754, 7560c02bdffb7c52d1457fa551b9e745d4b9e754, 7560c02bdffb7c52d1457fa551b9e745d4b9e754, 193e14e68e907b2a7a936a7726accbaa4df25a4d, 155d3c5d24ee13cafa6236b49fc02b240a511d59, 5.10.50, 5.12.17, 5.13.2unaffected
LinuxLinux5.14, 0, 5.10.235, 5.15.179, 6.1.129, 6.6.79, 6.12.16, 6.13.4, 6.14affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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