CVE-2025-38058: __legitimize_mnt(): check for MNT_SYNC_UMOUNT should be under mount_lock
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
__legitimize_mnt(): check for MNT_SYNC_UMOUNT should be under mount_lock
... or we risk stealing final mntput from sync umount - raising mnt_count
after umount(2) has verified that victim is not busy, but before it
has set MNT_SYNC_UMOUNT; in that case __legitimize_mnt() doesn't see
that it's safe to quietly undo mnt_count increment and leaves dropping
the reference to caller, where it'll be a full-blown mntput().
Check under mount_lock is needed; leaving the current one done before
taking that makes no sense - it's nowhere near common enough to bother
with.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A timing flaw in Linux mount cleanup can mishandle a final mount reference when unmount operations overlap. An attacker needs local, low-privileged access, so this is not a direct internet attack. Successful exploitation could seriously affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability according to the supplied CVSS assessment, although the sources do not document a demonstrated outcome.
Executive priority
Treat this as accelerated kernel maintenance, particularly across multi-user and shared-compute estates. Its local-access requirement places it below an unauthenticated remote emergency, but the high impact rating supports prompt patching and reboot coordination. Do not infer active attacks from severity alone.
Technical view
The MNT_SYNC_UMOUNT check in __legitimize_mnt() occurred outside mount_lock, creating a race between increasing mnt_count and a synchronous unmount setting the flag. The caller could consequently perform a full mntput() instead of quietly reversing the increment. Stable-kernel commits move the check under the lock.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to systems running affected Linux kernels where an attacker already has local low-privileged execution. Shared servers and platforms running untrusted workloads merit particular attention. The supplied version data spans multiple kernel lines through 6.15 but is not expressed as reliable package ranges; map exact distribution builds against vendor advisories and stable fixes.
Exploitation context
The supplied CVSS is 7.8: local access, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction, with potentially high impact. CVE-2025-38058 is not identified as KEV, and the provided sources contain no evidence of active exploitation, public weaponization, or proven exploit reliability.
Researcher notes
This is a mount-reference synchronization defect whose essential correction is lock placement. The sources establish the race and branch-specific fixes but do not establish a specific exploitation primitive, observed crash signature, privilege-escalation path, or affected distribution package boundary. Validation should therefore rely primarily on kernel build provenance and vendor mappings.
Mitigation direction
Apply the distribution or appliance vendor's kernel update incorporating the relevant stable fix.
Reboot into the updated kernel; installing a package alone may leave the vulnerable kernel active.
Prioritize shared Linux hosts and systems executing untrusted or tenant-controlled local workloads.
Consult vendor guidance for affected package versions and any supported interim risk-reduction measures.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions and distinguish them from merely installed kernel packages.
Map each distribution kernel build to its vendor advisory or applicable Linux stable fix.
Confirm systems booted into the updated kernel after maintenance.
Review local-access and workload exposure while remediation remains pending.
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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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
12Source 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.