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CVE Record

CVE-2025-38240: drm/mediatek: dp: drm_err => dev_err in HPD path to avoid NULL ptr

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: drm/mediatek: dp: drm_err => dev_err in HPD path to avoid NULL ptr The function mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() may be called before the `mtk_dp->drm_dev` pointer is assigned in mtk_dp_bridge_attach(). Specifically it can be called via this callpath: - mtk_edp_wait_hpd_asserted - [panel probe] - dp_aux_ep_probe Using "drm" level prints anywhere in this callpath causes a NULL pointer dereference. Change the error message directly in mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() to dev_err() to avoid this. Also change the error messages in mtk_dp_parse_capabilities(), which is called by mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted(). While touching these prints, also add the error code to them to make future debugging easier.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a Linux kernel stability flaw in the MediaTek DisplayPort/eDP driver. During hardware or panel probing, an error logging path can dereference a NULL pointer and crash the kernel. The source does not show remote exploitation, privilege escalation, or active exploitation.

Executive priority

Treat as targeted operational risk for MediaTek-based Linux display devices, not broad enterprise emergency evidence. Patch through normal kernel maintenance unless affected products are business-critical or crash-prone.

Technical view

mtk_dp_wait_hpd_asserted() can run before mtk_dp->drm_dev is assigned in mtk_dp_bridge_attach(). DRM-level error logging in that HPD-related call path can dereference the unset pointer. The fix changes affected messages to dev_err() and adds error codes for debugging.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems using the MediaTek DRM DisplayPort/eDP driver and the affected HPD or panel probe path. General Linux servers without this hardware path are unlikely to be exposed based on the provided evidence.

Exploitation context

CISA KEV status is false in the provided bundle. The sources describe a NULL pointer dereference during driver probing, not a weaponized attack path. No public exploit, attacker prerequisites, or remote trigger evidence is provided.

Researcher notes

The affected-version data is incomplete and commit-oriented. The primary root cause is pre-initialization use of drm_dev by logging in the HPD path. Avoid inferring exploitability beyond denial-of-service-style kernel crash risk without vendor or upstream analysis.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Check Linux distribution advisories for CVE-2025-38240 package status.
  • Prioritize MediaTek-based devices using DisplayPort or embedded DisplayPort.
  • If updating is delayed, assess whether affected display functionality can be avoided.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernels and MediaTek DRM DisplayPort/eDP usage.
  • Confirm whether the kernel package includes the referenced stable commit.
  • Review vendor advisories for affected and fixed release mapping.
  • Test representative MediaTek DP/eDP hardware after updating.
  • Monitor kernel logs for HPD or panel probe NULL dereference crashes.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

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-2025-38240 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
0ADP providers
6Source 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.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux7eacba9a083be65c0f251c19380ec01147c01ebc, 7eacba9a083be65c0f251c19380ec01147c01ebc, 7eacba9a083be65c0f251c19380ec01147c01ebc, 7eacba9a083be65c0f251c19380ec01147c01ebc, 7eacba9a083be65c0f251c19380ec01147c01ebcunaffected
LinuxLinux6.6, 0, 6.6.87, 6.12.23, 6.13.11, 6.14.2, 6.15affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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