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CVE Record

CVE-2025-38339: powerpc/bpf: fix JIT code size calculation of bpf trampoline

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: powerpc/bpf: fix JIT code size calculation of bpf trampoline arch_bpf_trampoline_size() provides JIT size of the BPF trampoline before the buffer for JIT'ing it is allocated. The total number of instructions emitted for BPF trampoline JIT code depends on where the final image is located. So, the size arrived at with the dummy pass in arch_bpf_trampoline_size() can vary from the actual size needed in arch_prepare_bpf_trampoline(). When the instructions accounted in arch_bpf_trampoline_size() is less than the number of instructions emitted during the actual JIT compile of the trampoline, the below warning is produced: WARNING: CPU: 8 PID: 204190 at arch/powerpc/net/bpf_jit_comp.c:981 __arch_prepare_bpf_trampoline.isra.0+0xd2c/0xdcc which is: /* Make sure the trampoline generation logic doesn't overflow */ if (image && WARN_ON_ONCE(&image[ctx->idx] > (u32 *)rw_image_end - BPF_INSN_SAFETY)) { So, during the dummy pass, instead of providing some arbitrary image location, account for maximum possible instructions if and when there is a dependency with image location for JIT'ing.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A Linux PowerPC BPF JIT sizing error can underestimate space needed for trampoline code. The supplied assessment rates it high severity because a local, low-privileged user may trigger serious security impact. Exposure requires an affected kernel, PowerPC architecture, and relevant BPF trampoline activity.

Executive priority

Treat as a high-priority PowerPC Linux patching issue, especially on multi-user or untrusted-workload systems. Inventory exposure immediately, then follow supported kernel or distribution updates. Urgency is driven by the high CVSS score and local low-privilege vector, not evidence of active exploitation.

Technical view

The preliminary JIT sizing pass may emit fewer instructions than the final PowerPC BPF trampoline compilation because instruction count depends on image location. This mismatch can bring generated code to the allocation boundary and trigger the kernel overflow warning. The fix makes the sizing pass account for the maximum location-dependent instruction count.

Likely exposure

Prioritize PowerPC systems using kernels identified by the supplied record, including 6.13, 6.15.4, and 6.16. The record's version structure is ambiguous, so confirm exact affected and fixed releases through kernel or distribution guidance. Non-PowerPC systems are outside the described vulnerable component.

Exploitation context

The CVSS vector describes local access, low privileges, low complexity, and no user interaction. The bundle reports no KEV listing and provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit. The precise path from the sizing mismatch to confidentiality, integrity, or availability impact is not documented here.

Researcher notes

The record documents a location-dependent discrepancy between arch_bpf_trampoline_size() and arch_prepare_bpf_trampoline(). The safety check can warn when generated instructions approach the writable image boundary. No CWE, demonstrated corruption, exploitability analysis, or affected-version mapping rationale is supplied, limiting conclusions beyond the stated high-severity assessment.

Mitigation direction

  • Obtain a vendor-supported kernel update containing the applicable referenced stable fix.
  • Confirm affected and fixed versions with the Linux kernel or distribution security advisory.
  • Prioritize shared PowerPC systems where untrusted local users can exercise BPF functionality.
  • Apply vendor-recommended BPF restrictions temporarily if patching cannot occur promptly.

Validation and detection

  • Record the running kernel version and confirm the system uses PowerPC architecture.
  • Compare kernel build provenance against the two referenced stable fix commits.
  • Review kernel logs for the documented PowerPC BPF trampoline overflow warning.
  • Recheck vendor guidance after updating and verify the replacement kernel is running.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

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-2025-38339 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source 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.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2025-38339Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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
LinuxLinuxd243b62b7bd3d5314382d3b54e4992226245e936, d243b62b7bd3d5314382d3b54e4992226245e936unaffected
LinuxLinux6.13, 0, 6.15.4, 6.16affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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