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CVE Record

CVE-2025-37797: net_sched: hfsc: Fix a UAF vulnerability in class handling

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net_sched: hfsc: Fix a UAF vulnerability in class handling This patch fixes a Use-After-Free vulnerability in the HFSC qdisc class handling. The issue occurs due to a time-of-check/time-of-use condition in hfsc_change_class() when working with certain child qdiscs like netem or codel. The vulnerability works as follows: 1. hfsc_change_class() checks if a class has packets (q.qlen != 0) 2. It then calls qdisc_peek_len(), which for certain qdiscs (e.g., codel, netem) might drop packets and empty the queue 3. The code continues assuming the queue is still non-empty, adding the class to vttree 4. This breaks HFSC scheduler assumptions that only non-empty classes are in vttree 5. Later, when the class is destroyed, this can lead to a Use-After-Free The fix adds a second queue length check after qdisc_peek_len() to verify the queue wasn't emptied.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2025-37797 is a Linux kernel memory-safety bug in the HFSC traffic scheduler. Under specific queue handling conditions, the kernel can keep using a class after it should no longer be valid. Business urgency depends on whether affected systems use HFSC traffic shaping with child qdiscs such as netem or codel.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted Linux kernel patching item, not a confirmed internet-wide emergency. Prioritize systems with custom traffic shaping, networking appliances, labs using netem, and hosts where privileged network configuration is delegated.

Technical view

The flaw is a use-after-free in net_sched HFSC class handling. hfsc_change_class() checks q.qlen, then qdisc_peek_len() may empty certain child qdiscs, but the code continues as if the class is non-empty and places it in vttree. Later class destruction can trigger unsafe use of freed state.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux systems using HFSC qdisc class configuration, especially with child qdiscs such as netem or codel. Generic Linux presence alone is not enough to confirm exposure from the provided sources.

Exploitation context

The bundle marks CISA KEV as false and provides no cited evidence of active exploitation. The public record describes the bug mechanics and fix, but does not provide a CVSS score, confirmed impact level, or weaponized exploit status.

Researcher notes

Key uncertainty is impact. The sources establish UAF mechanics and stable fixes, but not a CVSS vector or exploitability outcome. Validation should focus on HFSC class usage and vendor backport mapping, not assumptions based only on kernel version strings.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply Linux kernel updates that include the referenced stable HFSC fixes.
  • Follow distribution guidance, including Debian LTS advisories where applicable.
  • Inventory hosts using HFSC, netem, or codel traffic-control configurations.
  • Limit qdisc administration to trusted privileged operators.
  • Monitor vendor advisories for severity, backports, and operational workarounds.

Validation and detection

  • Identify kernel versions and distributor patch levels across Linux assets.
  • Check whether HFSC qdisc classes are configured on production systems.
  • Review traffic-control templates for netem or codel child qdiscs under HFSC.
  • Confirm installed kernels include the relevant stable fix or vendor backport.
  • Record exceptions where appliances or custom kernels cannot be updated promptly.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
9

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-2025-37797 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

SSVC decision data

CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: total

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
CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14, 21f4d5cc25ec0e6e8eb8420dd2c399e6d2fc7d14unaffected
LinuxLinux4.14, 0, 5.4.293, 5.10.237, 5.15.181, 6.1.136, 6.6.89, 6.12.26, 6.14.5, 6.15affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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